“I’ll start”: Gerard Pique issues challenge to Barcelona president after Xavi’s decision

According to SPORT, Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has issued a challenge to president Joan Laporta that he will earn a starting berth in the lineup next season even if the club brings in the best centre-back in the world.

The 35-year-old endured an injury-riddled end to the 2021/22 campaign as he was constantly bogged down by an adductor issue from which he is still recovering.

In the aftermath, it has been reported that manager Xavi Hernandez has decided not to use him as a regular starter in the upcoming campaign, with the 42-year-old informing the veteran centre-half of his decision in a meeting two weeks ago.

Xavi is said to have become concerned over Pique’s fitness levels as well as his unprofessional behaviour off the field, leading to him deciding not to count on his most experienced defender for the upcoming campaign.

Furthermore, it has also been suggested that the Barcelona manager has urged the club to go after Jules Kounde of Sevilla to bolster the backline in the upcoming transfer window, despite the impending arrival of Andreas Christensen.

In spite of the recent developments, it seems like Pique remains confident that he can still play a valuable part in the upcoming campaign for Barcelona.

The 35-year-old is believed to have held a meeting with president Joan Laporta, during which he has made several promises to the club supremo, guaranteeing his total focus on footballing matters and indicating his willingness to take another pay cut.

On top of that, it is now being reported that Pique has even issued a challenge to the Barcelona president by claiming that even if the club signs the best centre-back in the world, the veteran defender will do everything in his power to remain a starter.

“Go ahead. Bring in the best centre back in the world. He will be a substitute. I’ll start,” Pique is said to have responded when Laporta hinted that the Catalans would be signing a new top-level centre-back in the summer.

Given that Xavi has seemingly lost his trust in the player, Pique will have a long road to convince the manager to reinstate him into the starting setup for the coming season.