Reports suggest there are growing tensions between Barcelona veteran Gerard Pique and head coach Xavi Hernandez, with it being claimed the manager heard his ex-teammate complaining about a lack of game time this season.
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According to Spanish publication Sport, the retired La Furia Roja centre-back has been unhappy with the amount of minutes he has been getting since the start of the campaign.
With the Blaugrana bringing in two central defenders in the form of Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde in the most recent window, Pique has featured on just two occasions for the Catalan giants since the season got underway.
The 35-year-old was reportedly heard bemoaning his lack of game time in the dressing room by Xavi, who did not react well to his former teammate's attitude and behaviour despite their relationship.
The relationship between Xavi and Gerard Piqué is tense at the moment.
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) September 19, 2022
— @sport
The incident is said to have caused tension between the pair since, with it being reported that sources within the club are silently hoping the 103-time Spain international will hang up his boots at the end of the season.
Previously, it was thought the defender would depart Barcelona if he was made to play a less important role in the team, and it is believed some at the club are ready to see that happen ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
Pique is widely considered a legend in Spain's Catalonia region, having amassed a staggering 607 appearances for the Blaugrana since he returned from Manchester United in 2008.
The defender has claimed 30 pieces of silverware in Barca colours, including three UEFA Champions League titles.
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