Gerard Piqué's five months as Andorra's manager: "There's no middle ground."

On January 20th, Andorra CF, mired in mid-table, decided to dismiss Ferran Costa, the coach they had signed the previous season to replace Eder Sarabia, but the manager hadn't been satisfactory. The club was relegated to the First Division of the RFEF (Regional Football Federation) , and with the need for promotion, the team's performance was far from that goal. After a period of uncertainty, the club, chaired by Gerard Piqué, finally opted for Beto Company, who served as his assistant. According to sources close to the club, Piqué himself decided to step up, clearly stating, "This is what I get out of it."

Since then, Thursdays are the day Piqué arrives in Andorra and lends a hand to Company with match preparations. What initially seemed like a one-off event became a habit, and it's no surprise that the former Barcelona player has become one of the key players on the coaching staff, although on match days he finds himself behind the bench with the sporting director, very close to Beto Company.

Oier Olazábal himself, Piqué's goalkeeper and former teammate at Barcelona, ​​explained this situation on Relevo last March. "He 's been the coach , from Thursday or Friday to Sunday. He helps us with tactics and acts as our assistant. At first, he's impressive, but in my case, I know him better. When he gets involved in something, he goes all out, he doesn't compromise, he's committed to everything. He told us to be braver, to play from the back, with a defensive midfield line..." the goalkeeper explained.

In Andorra, he has been treated as "naturally," according to sources consulted, and Piqué's role in the team's improvement has been downplayed. The team has climbed from tenth to fourth place and is currently one game away from returning to the Second Division. This Saturday against Ponferradina (8:30 PM) the return leg is played after the 1-1 draw in the first leg, and Piqué, involved in all areas, already announced this week that he would pay for the travel and ticket costs for all fans who wished to attend.

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Piqué doesn't hold the title of coach according to federation regulations, which is why sources within the club emphasize that he's especially important in terms of "motivation," but also in the many details that "professional football " has taught him. "How could we not benefit from someone with his experience?" they ask in Andorra. "Piqué also helps with tactical aspects and match preparation," the same sources add.

In fact, Piqué has expressed his opposition to coaching on more than one occasion due to the burnout caused by his 20 years as a professional. “Later, perhaps, I'll return to football doing something different. I'm not interested in being a coach. I needed a change. Many years between United and Barça , playing every three days, make you end up burned out,” he explained in 2024 in Il Corriere della Sera.

This Saturday, he'll be watching as a spectator, albeit far from the bench. He's already done his job this week, just as he has been doing since Ferran Costa's dismissal. He's been the Catalan's most unknown face in a season that could prove worthy of Andorra's success if they win the Tolarín. And yet another achievement for Piqué, capable of donning all the disguises.