Key meeting between Xavi and Gerard Pique

Xavi has met, one by one, with all the players in his squad. The new coach has made this direct communication with his men to understand their personal situations, without intermediaries. He wants everyone onboard and connected. For now, there is nobody ruled out from playing. Not Umtiti, not Luuk de Jong. Not Coutinho. Xavi has a clear vision of the team from a distance. He has seen the games and analysed them in depth. He has reports from Laporta. But he wanted to know everyone’s morale first hand. He got a surprise. There was no player who was not committed to the project. They all guaranteed him their commitment. Including some who had a foot and a half out of the club. That’s great news for the coach, who needs all the resources he can have to reconstruct Barcelona.

Especially interesting was his meeting with Pique. His commitment and professionalism has been questioned, from his enterprises to public appearances. It put into question his exclusive dedication to Barça. The meeting went very well because the defender has recovered his hope and desire with the arrival of the new coach, his former team-mate. They spoke heart to heart. Pique promised attitude and commitment from minute one. Pique recently cancelled some appearances to focus fully on training.

Xavi is conscious of the role Pique can have at the club and needs him fully connected with no distractions. A Pique at 100 per cent is much better than any other defender. And it seems he will be able to stay playing among the elite for at least a couple years. Winning Pique over is winning a leader. Another victory for Xavi without a ball being kicked.