Gerard Pique Names 1 Former Teammate To Replace Xavi Hernandez As Coach of Barcelona

• Gerard Pique has backed one of his former teammates to become Barcelona manager
• The former Barca defender pointed out that ex-club icon Rafael Márquez can become coach of the Catalan side
• Marquez is the most-capped non-European player in the club's history and the eighth-most capped foreigner

Gerard Pique has expressed his support for Rafael Marquez to take the helm at Barcelona in the upcoming years.

Barcelona, known for its tradition of former players managing the team, is currently under the guidance of former midfielder Xavi Hernandez.

Xavi's rein as Barca boss

The former Spain international, now in his second full season with the Catalan giants, assumed the managerial role from another club legend, Ronald Koeman, in 2021.

In his initial full season, the 43-year-old led the team to victory in the La Liga and Supercopa de España competitions.

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Currently maintaining an unbeaten record in the Spanish top division with 24 points from 10 games, Xavi appears well-positioned to defend the league title, having surpassed their arch-rivals Real Madrid and making notable progress in the Champions League.

With his current contract set to expire in June 2024, it seems likely that the 2010 World Cup winner will extend his tenure with the Blaugrana.

Pique backs Marquez to replace Xavi

In an interview with ESPN in Mexico following his notable tumble, Pique shared that he believes Marquez is adequately prepared for the role.

“Yes, for sure.”

“Rafa is more than ready for a range of things [such as coaching Barcelona] because of the attitude he has, his knowledge of the game and his experience.”

“He’s in a learning process as a coach right now, and I am sure that in the future, we will see him on a bench in La Liga. We will see if that is with Barca or another team, but he’s preparing excellently.”

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Marquez's managerial experience

Last season, Marquez assumed the role of manager for Barcelona's B team, steering them to the playoffs where they secured a commendable fourth-place finish, ultimately losing the play-off semi-final to Real Madrid Castilla with a close 3-2 aggregate score, as cited by Football Espana.

The ongoing season, however, has seen a slower start for Marquez's team, having won only four out of their nine games and currently occupying the eighth position despite undergoing significant squad changes.

Pique announces retirement

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Barcelona defender Gerard Pique announced that he will retire from football when the Spanish league breaks for the 2022 World Cup.

The central defender spent 14 years in the first team following his return from Manchester United in 2008.