Barcelona legend Gerard Pique has suggested that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is a leading contender to replace Xavi as the next head coach of the Spanish La Liga champions.
Xavi recently announced his intention to step down from the role at the end of the current season, leaving Barcelona in search of a new coach.
Pique, who played with Xavi at Barca for seven seasons, believes that Xavi may still change his mind about leaving the club.
However, if he doesn’t, Pique believes Arteta and Pep Guardiola are the top candidates to take over the position.
According to Pique, a Barca coach needs to have a specific coaching style to fit in with the team’s playing philosophy.
As a former Barcelona player, Arteta already understands the club’s playing style and would be a good choice to take over from Xavi.
While Guardiola also has a strong connection to the club, having coached them to numerous titles in the past, Pique emphasized that Arteta is an “obvious” candidate due to his understanding of the club and experience as a coach.
“I don’t think it’s a decision that is 100 per cent,” Pique told Sunday Times.
“The obvious ones are Guardiola, because he had his past here, and he is the best coach right now, and Arteta.
“He would be a good one also. He understands Barcelona and played for Barca in the past.”