Barcelona: Xavi now has 'frosty relationship' with 612-game star at Camp Nou

Barcelona star Gerard Pique has a ‘frosty relationship’ with head coach Xavi and could seal his Camp Nou departure next year, according to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs.

The centre-half has made 612 appearances for the Catalan giants, but it appears his time on the club’s books is drawing to a close.

According to Spanish media outlet Okdiario, Pique and Xavi’s relationship has completely broken down and there is growing tension behind the scenes.

The report suggests Atletico Madrid could offer the 102-cap Spain international an escape route out of the Camp Nou and linking up with Diego Simeone at the Wanda Metropolitano would be of interest.

Pique, who revealed earlier this year that he rakes in £2million-per-year after accepting a 50 per cent salary cut amid Barcelona’s financial struggles, has entered the final two years of his contract.

That means January could be the ideal time for Xavi's charges to cash-in on the 35-year-old, who counts Manchester United and Real Zaragoza among his former clubs.

Pique has only been handed four starts since the campaign got underway and was an unused substitute as Barcelona suffered an El Clasico defeat to Real Madrid on Sunday.

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Jacobs understands the connection between Pique and Xavi has deteriorated and, as a result, a move away from Barcelona could be on the cards.

The journalist has doubts over whether the duo will be able to get back to how they were before and it is now a waiting game.

When asked whether the defender's Camp Nou future is in doubt, Jacobs told GIVEMESPORT: "I think so. Pique has been such a great servant to Barcelona, but I think that Xavi and Pique have