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Gerard Pique: Barcelona need 'changes' after Bayern Munich thrashing
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique spoke directly and honestly after his side suffered an 8-2 humiliation at the hands of reigning Bundesliga winners Bayern Munich in Friday's Champions League quarterfinal showdown held in Portugal due to the coronavirus pandemic.
According to ESPN, it was the first time any team scored eight goals in a Champions League knockout fixture and Barcelona's worst-ever UCL defeat.
Pique, a Barca legend, spoke frankly after the match:
"I'm in pain. We all are. We can't compete like that. It's very, very tough to take. Nothing more is worth saying. The club needs changes. Not just the players, I don't want to point out anyone.
"But football is a sport where change is constantly required. We must change the dynamic we are on because I believe we have just hit bottom. We have to look around, we have to trust that people will do the right things for the club."
Per football insider Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona parted ways with manager Quique Setien immediately after the blowout loss:
Barcelona have already decided to sack Quique Setién after the terrible defeat against Bayern Münich. He’ll not be the manager on next season. @SkySport #Barcelona #FCB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 14, 2020
Superstar Lionel Messi is signed through 2020-21 but has routinely been linked with a Barcelona exit and a potential move to Premier League outfit Manchester City.
On Thursday, Spanish football expert Guillem Balague reported Juventus could sell Cristiano Ronaldo to Barcelona to pair Ronaldo with Messi for at least one dream season.
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