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08/08/2022
Act. a las 10:25
CEST
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The Barcelonan does not start as a starter and will have a long way to go to convince Xavi that he is still among the best in the world
During the team’s presentation he was seen as somewhat off, as absent, and there are those who doubt that he will still be in the squad at the end of the transfer window
These are not good times for Gerard Piqué. The central defender from La Bonanova is aware (as Xavi told him weeks ago) that does not start this season. A priori, he will have newcomers Koundé and Christensen and Eric Garcia and Ronald Araujo ahead of him. No one lowers their guard and everyone (Jules we have hardly seen, yes) have scratched at a very good level during the preseason.
One of the priorities for the Terrassa coach this season is to recover the defensive reliability that has disappeared in recent seasons. Barça has been becoming a weak team at the back, which fits too easily and that leaves Ter Stegen constantly exposed. And Xavi wants to change that trend. Without a doubt, the reinforcements that have arrived are directed towards it. And the icing on the cake is missing from Marcos Alonso to prop up the left-back.
That is why Gerard was told that it would be difficult for him to play, that his situation, in principle, is going to be very different from the previous 14 years at the Camp Nou. But Piqué’s almost instinctive reaction was clear. He told Laporta and Xavi, piqued, that he would end up being a starter. After a few weeks of that, he continues to start from that unfavorable position. Even more so after the great preseason of Christensen and Eric Garcia, who have dispelled doubts. Especially the Danish, who has been impeccable.
A DELICATE PERSONAL SITUATION
However, there are those who even doubt that he will finally end up being part of the first team. Added to this context of uncertainty at a sporting level is a complicated personal situation. After divorcing Shakira, her children will live a priori much of the year in Miami.
But go, ‘salseos’ aside, Gerard, who will turn 36 in February, is facing what is probably one of the biggest challenges of his sports career. We will see, first, if they let him undertake it. And second, if you are willing to be patient and take advantage of the few trains that may pass. At the moment, yesterday at the Gamper he was seen somewhat absent. Especially in the presentation. Disconnected.
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