Barcelona’s search for a new manager has led Gerard Pique to suggest that Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta could be a strong candidate to take over at the Catalan club. With current boss Xavi Hernandez set to depart in the summer, Pique believes Arteta’s understanding of Barcelona’s style of play could make him a suitable choice.

Pique mentioned, “To manage Barça you need to be a specific type of coach and to understand the way Barça play, so the options are much less. The obvious ones are [Pep] Guardiola, because he had his past here, and he is the best coach right now, and [Arsenal’s Mikel] Arteta. He would be a good one also. He understands Barcelona and played for Barça in the past.”

While Arteta denied reports of his departure from Arsenal earlier this year, Pique’s endorsement adds weight to the idea of Arteta making a move to Barcelona. However, Pique also hinted that Xavi’s decision to leave Barcelona might not be set in stone, suggesting, “I don’t think it’s a decision that is 100 percent. Let’s see how the season ends. I think maybe he will stay.”

FC Barcelona performance and stats

FC Barcelona is currently 1st in the Champions League with 12 points.

In the last 10 games, it has won 6 times, drawn once, and lost 3 times. In its last match, FC Barcelona lost 1-4 against Paris Saint Germain.​​

It has a positive goal difference after scoring 12 goals and conceding 6.​

Embed from Getty Images