One of the problems that has caused the most problems in recent years at Barcelona has been the questionable level of what are known as 'sacred cows', those players who are already veterans in the squad and who have an important hierarchy within the dressing room.
Among these names is that of Gerard Pique, who could have been his last as a Barca player this season 21-22, since Xavi Hernandez, in an information advanced by the newspaper 'Sport', would have communicated to the Catalan player that he does not count on him for the next few years, despite the fact that his contract ends in 2024.
The Barca coach is concerned, above all, about the defender's physical problems and his non-sporting life. This season he has performed at a good level, but his continuous appearances in streams with Ibai Llanos and the recent break-up with his partner, Shakira, have led to the player appearing more off the pitch than on it.
In the meeting between Xavi and Pique, the player let him know that the best end for both parties was the departure of the defender, who could even give up part of the money he is entitled to in order to do his bit for the club. Let's remember that he was one of those who lowered his salary the most when the club asked him to do so.
Once the situation with the former Manchester United player is resolved, Mateu Alemany will work to fulfil Xavi's wishes in defence, where he wants to restructure the squad and finally put an end to the problems that have plagued Barca over the last year in that area of the pitch.