Barcelona Legend Pique Names Guardiola and Other Premier League Manager As Ideal Xavi Replacement

Barcelona Legend Pique Names Guardiola and Other Premier League Manager As Ideal Xavi Replacement

Byron Pillay
March 17, 2024 at 2:08 PM
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  • Barcelona are yet to make a decision on who will replace Xavi Hernandez as Barcelona manager
  • Xavi has reiterated that he will step down as Barca manager no matter what happens this season
  • Gerard Pique believes two English Premier League managers fit Barca's current style of play

The quest to find a new manager for Barcelona continues.

After winning the La Liga title, Xavi Hernandez has endured a difficult time in charge of the Catalan side, and has announced that he will step down from his post at the end of the season.

Gerard Pique believes Pep Guardiola would be a perfect replacement for Xavi Hernandez.
Gerard Pique has named Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta as perfect replacements for Xavi Hernandez at Barcelona. Image: Alex Caparros/ Paul Ellis.
Source: Getty Images

Since his surprise announcement, Barca have been working behind the scenes to find his replacement, and club legend Gerard Pique has now weighed in on who that should be.

As noted by Barca Blaugranes, the former defender said there were two obvious choices when it comes to replacing Xavi.

“To manage Barça you need to be a specific type of coach and to understand the way Barça play, so the options are much less,” he said.

Who does Pique recommend manage Barcelona?

“The obvious ones are Guardiola, because he had his past here, and he is the best coach right now, said Pique.

Guardiola played for the club as a defender and enjoyed a successful stint as its manager between 2008 and 2012.

During that time, he led them to three La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies, Transfermarkt noted.

Pique names Arteta as a possible successor

While Guardiola is unlikely to return to the club, Pique believes another Premier League manager would be a good fit.

"Arteta. He would be a good one, also. He understands Barcelona and played for Barça in the past,” Pique added.

Will Xavi still leave Barcelona?

While Pique believes that Xavi may change his mind regarding leaving, the coach is adamant that he is still going.

Tribal Football reported that Xavi is helping the club plan for next season despite still leaving.

“I participate because I love this club. My decision does not change. I am a club man, and I will do so in any situation that can help the club for next season. The intention is to stay until June 30 and in principle to rest,” he stated.

Panic among Barca’s stars over Xavi’s departure

Sports Brief reported that there is a bit of panic in Barcelona’s dressing room over Xavi’s departure.

The former club midfielder has announced that he will leave the club at the end of the current season.

The uncertainty over who his replacement will be has reportedly caused concern among some Barcelona players.

Authors
Byron Pillay photo
Byron Pillay
Byron Pillay is a sports writer and Head of the Department at Sports Brief (joined in 2022) with over 10 years of experience in community journalism and a degree in journalism from Caxton's Cadet School.
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XaviPep GuardiolaMikel Arteta