Barcelona board criticised veteran defender after Inter Milan performance

Barcelona’s 3-3 draw with Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League is set to bring forth major repercussions, both from an economic and sporting perspective.

Joan Laporta is already furious with coach Xavi Hernandez, who is actively looking for answers from his players regarding their recent calamity. According to Reshad Rehman, Gerard Pique is one such player facing a lot of heat.

The Barcelona defender was one of the worst-performing players in Barcelona’s draw with Inter Milan. He made the error that led to Nicolo Barella’s goal. He also had issues keeping track of Denzel Dumfries. His incompetence played a key role behind Barcelona’s vulnerable defence that conceded thrice.

In light of his performance, the Barcelona board expressed their concerns over Pique and his future at the club.

During the AGM meeting last week, club president Joan Laporta had already singled him and Sergio Busquets out for refusing to reduce their salaries to help the club out. His subsequent poor performance against Inter Milan could now put serious question marks on his future.

Pique’s current deal at Camp Nou does not expire until 2024. However, it appears Barcelona will make an attempt to offload the veteran defender at the end of the season. In fact, Pique has been linked with a move away from Camp Nou even in the upcoming January transfer window.

Atletico Madrid are one of the clubs interested in signing Pique after the turn of the year. However, the move could rely heavily on Barcelona’s pursuit of a new defender, with the Catalans reportedly keen on the services of Inigo Martinez.

In the meantime, Pique is likely to be dropped for Barcelona’s upcoming game against Real Madrid, thanks to the return of Jules Kounde. The Frenchman appeared to have made his recovery and is in contention to start in the season’s first El Clasico.