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Pique's honest assessment after Barcelona's latest "shame" under new boss Xavi

mirror.co.uk, 13 December 2021, 09:36
The Catalan giants are enduring the most turbulent period of their modern history under the guidance of club legend Xavi Hernandez as they contend with financial hardship

Gerard Pique was downbeat in his assessment of Barcelona's latest league set back after their 2-2 draw with Osasuna.

But the ex-Manchester United defender insists he remains optimistic that the youngsters currently in the team will one day go on to be integral to the club's success.

The La Liga titans are suffering the bleakest period in recent memory amid a summer of financial turmoil that saw them forced to cut ties with club icon Lionel Messi after the Argentine had spent 21 years in Catalunya.

Having started the season under the guidance of Ronald Koeman, only to see the ex-Everton boss sacked, Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez, is looking to transform the fallen giants in his first managerial role in Europe.

Xavi has taken charge of six games since his return to the Camp Nou yet has already overseen a humiliating Champions League elimination at the group stage.

This marks the first time a Barcelona squad have failed to progress into the knockout stages of European club football's most elite competition since the team of the 2000/01 season.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Will Xavi transform Barcelona's fortunes? Comment below

Barcelona were in action on Sunday afternoon for the first time since the midweek humbling at the hands of Bayern Munich, making the trip to Osasuna for domestic duties.

Held to a 2-2 draw having taken the lead twice, Pique reflected on the performance to Spanish outlet Marca.

"It's a shame, I think we played well, and we competed at a very difficult ground," Pique explained.

"Their game is based on set-pieces. In the end, it came to a loose ball at the edge of the box.

"It's a shame because I think it was a good game, when you consider where we came from.

"We leave with one point, unhappy with the result. We have to take three from each game."

The central defender went on to discuss how the club should view the remainder of the season, taking one game at a time.

"The objective now is to think about the next game, only in the short term," the World Cup winner claimed.

"We know that in the long run these youngsters are going to be very good for the club.

"But we have to get results. Win and win again. It's really urgent. We're in a critical situation."

Barcelona currently languish as low as eighth in the La Liga table, a staggering 18 points adrift of long-term rivals Real Madrid who sit comfortably at the top.

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