‘This is the bottom’ – Gerard Pique demands ‘structural’ change at Barcelona after Champions League humiliation

Barcelona need a radical change from top to bottom of the club to return to being among Europe’s finest, says centre-back Gerard Pique.

The defender spoke emotionally and honestly after his side were battered by Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-final, 8-2 the scoreline after an epic encounter in Lisbon.

Despite a raft of big-money signings in recent years, Barcelona have continually fallen short in the competition and also failed to win La Liga this term.

Speaking on Spanish television, Pique called for a complete overhaul at the club after European underperformance at crucial times in particular.

“A horrible game. Shame is the word. You can’t compete in Europe like this. It’s not the first, second, or third time. It’s very difficult,” he said.

“This club needs changes, and I don’t mean the manager, or any specific players. I don’t want to single anyone out. It needs changes.

“Structurally the club needs changes of all types because as I said, it’s not the first time. Nobody is indispensable. If new blood has to come and change this dynamic, I am the first to leave and pack it up.

“This is the bottom. We’ve all got to look and reflect internally and ask what’s the best for the club, which is the most important thing.”

Pique, 33, has been at the Camp Nou club for 12 years, winning eight league titles and three Champions League trophies, but the club will end this season empty-handed after this most embarrassing of footnotes to the campaign.

Read more

Player ratings as Bayern Munich hammer Barcelona in Champions League