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Gerard Pique names two OBVIOUS Premier League managers to replace Xavi Hernandez at FC Barcelona

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Sherwin Shaju | Last updated 3/18/24

Gerard Pique , the World Cup winning centre-back and Barcelona legend retired from professional football in late 2022. The defender left the Catalans midway through the 2022/23 season and now runs the Kings League. In a recent interview with The Times, Pique shared his take on who he thinks should succeed Xavi Hernandez at his former club.

Being former teammates with the Spaniard, Pique knows a thing or two about his managerial decisions and tactics. With Xavi choosing to part ways with Barcelona at the end of the season, the Blaugrana have begun their search for a new manager. Several names have been thrown in the air, ranging from Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi to Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta.

The options are much less for Barcà as they need a manager who understands the way they play. The obvious ones are Guardiola - he is the best coach right now & Arteta. He understands Barcelona and has played for them in the past. Gerard Pique in an interview with The Times

️| Gerard Pique on candidates who could replace Xavi at Barcelona: “The obvious ones are Pep Guardiola, because he had his past here, and he is the best coach right now, and Mikel Arteta.

“He would be a good one also. He understands Barcelona and played for Barca in the past.… pic.twitter.com/r2jlO08jtV
— Arsenal Buzz (@ArsenalBuzzCom) March 17, 2024

Pique also commented on Xavi’s decision to leave and added that he feels that the decision is not ‘100%’.

Barcà boss Xavi hits out against ‘unfair’ red card against Atletico Madrid

Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez is a passionate man when it comes to being on the touchline. The former midfielder and World Cup winner wears his heart on his sleeve be it to celebrate a goal or protest against a ‘wrong’ refereeing decision. His animated behavior on the touchline often lands him in trouble, with the game against Atletico Madrid being no different.

The manager was shown red by the referee for protesting a decision against his team’s favor. Following the game, Xavi said that he had neither said nor done anything that warranted a sending off. He added that his antics come out of passion and wanting the team to win. He also called the red card unnecessary and unfair and told that he ‘accepts’ the referee’s decision.

️ – Xavi walks off as he has received a red card once again.pic.twitter.com/ydX1zgV7vG
— Football Report (@FootballReprt) March 17, 2024

Despite his sending off, Barcelona enjoyed an emphatic win against Atletico. The Civitas Metropolitan Stadium was witness to three sublime goals from the visitors as Diego Simeone‘s men were without answer over the ninety minutes. Following the win, Barcelona are now second and within 8 points of table toppers Real Madrid.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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