Pique's challenge to Laporta: Sign the world's best centre-back if you dare, as he'll be a backup

Gerard Pique has been at the receiving end of criticism lately due to his struggles on and off the pitch, with rumours circulating that his future at Barcelona might be uncertain.

The Blaugrana centre-back has reportedly met with his coach Xavi Hernandez and president Joan Laporta, who warned Pique that he should rediscover his form and take care of his off-the-pitch business.

"Both Xavi Hernandez and Joan Laporta told Gerard Pique that he had to improve physically and that he couldn't have so many open wars," journalist Xavi Torres explained on Esports 3's 'Onze' show.

"Pique promised to lower his salary and to move away from business dealings for two years."

Pique's challenge to Laporta

Meanwhile, journalist Xavier Valls has reported that Laporta informed Pique the club were considering signing a world-class centre-back as competition.

"I will be a starter," Pique replied, according to this report.

"If you've got the guts, bring in the best centre-back in the world, who will come to be a backup."

The 35-year-old defender has two years left on his contract. According to Esports 3, Pique is training every day at 09:00 in the morning at Barcelona's training ground as he aims to have a successful 2022/23 season.