Gerard Pique Tips Arteta as Top Candidate to Replace Xavi at Barcelona
Barcelona is on the hunt for a new head coach following Xavi’s announcement that he will be stepping down at the end of the season. According to reports, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been approached by the Spanish champions, with Gerard Pique endorsing him as an ‘obvious’ candidate for the role.
Pique, who played alongside Xavi for seven seasons at Barcelona, believes that Arteta could be the perfect fit for the club. He even suggested that Xavi might reconsider his decision to leave this summer. However, if Xavi does depart, Pique sees Arteta and Pep Guardiola as the top choices for Barcelona’s hierarchy.
In an interview with The Sunday Times, Pique expressed his thoughts on the potential candidates for the job. He emphasized the importance of understanding Barcelona’s style of play and highlighted Guardiola’s past success at the club. Pique also praised Arteta for his understanding of Barcelona, having played for the team in the past.
When asked about Guardiola’s possible return to Barcelona, Pique hinted that it could be a possibility. He mentioned that he still keeps in touch with Guardiola and believes that both the coach and Barcelona fans would welcome his comeback.
As the speculation continues to swirl around who will take over from Xavi at Barcelona, fans are eagerly awaiting an official announcement from the club. Whether it’s Arteta, Guardiola, or another candidate, one thing is for sure – the next head coach will have big shoes to fill at one of the world’s most prestigious football clubs.