Gerard Pique Cancels TV Appearance Due To Rule Brought In By Xavi Hernandez

Gerard Pique has cancelled a TV interview following Barcelona's appointment of his former teammate Xavi Hernandez as manager.

The former Blaugrana captain and legend returned to the club as Ronald Koeman's replacement and was officially unveiled as manager at the Nou Camp on Monday.

And Xavi is already making wholesale changes at the club, even at the expense of those he played with for many years.

As per COPE via Sport, Pique was slated to do an interview with El Hormiguero but Xavi's arrival has led to that arrangement being postponed.

It's part of a number of new strict rules Xavi is introducing. According to Directo Gol, one of the 41-year-old's big demands is for Pique to not be taking as many trips away during international breaks.

Image: PA

The 34-year-old has a slew of other business ventures and so is regularly jetting away, but will not be allowed to so under Xavi's regime.

Image: PA

Xavi also reportedly wants more control of players' social media profiles and activities and will also ban anyone from taking part in individual training sessions.

AS have published a comprehensive list of Xavi's rules, which vary from turning up early before training, strict curfews and no "risky activities".

1.Players must arrive 90 minutes before training start

2. Staff must arrive two hours before training starts

3. Players must eat at the club's training ground

4. Fines have returned

5.Fines are doubled for repeat offenders

6. Players must be home before midnight two days before a game

7. Players must give their all in training

8. Player's off-field activity will be monitored

9. 'Risky' activities are no longer permitted

10. A good image is essential

Xavi, who takes charge of his first game against Catalan rivals Espanyol on 20 November, has explained just why he's bringing in a plethora of rules upon his arrival.

"We have to start with new rules that are going to be strict. It's not a matter of being tough, it's about having norms," he said, as per Sky Sports.

"When we had norms in the locker room things were good, when we didn't, it went bad. So, we need to have order. Being professionals.

"It's a medium to long-term project but we'll need to work really hard to find the results. The expectation and the demand will be the highest. No excuses will be made or accepted."

Topics: Gerard Pique, Barcelona, Xavi

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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