Sarabia reveals Pique phone call that convinced him to join Andorra

Sarabia reveals Pique phone call that convinced him to join Andorra

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Barça defender Pique has chosen his former coach to lead his project at Andorra

Eder Sarabia was presented as the new coach of FC Andorra on Tuesday. Quique Setien's No.2 at Barcelona has been chosen by Gerard Pique to take over from Nacho Castro.

Speaking at his presentation, Sarabia, 40, explained how Pique convinced him to take over at the third division club.

"This week he called me, we've been talking," he said. "One of the things that surprised me is his implication in the project, his knowledge of the team, the league. He's seen all the games, some more than once. T

"After speaking with him, I had a good feeling with Jaume (the sporting director). That ambition, the desire to grow, that we can add to that with our knowledge and go hand-in-hand to try and achieve success. With the conversations we've had about the project, I had no doubts about accepting the challenge."  

During his spell with Barça there were conflicts with the players, although Sarabia explained with a smile that "it's clear that if a person like Gerard, who's in the same dressing room, chooses me for this job, I think that silences some rumours or things that could have been misinterpreted."

Sarabia continued: "It's true there were moments in games when there was tension. I can't deny arguments occasionally on the pitch and in the dressing room -- and in that famous drinks break in Vigo, what happened happened. But these things are understood as part of the job, what happens when you are all demanding the most. No problems.

"I learned a lot with the time I was at Barça and what I keep with me are the good times, the positives. I am delighted, grateful to be able to have lived what I lived, to have gone to the training ground every day with those great players. No one will take that away from me." 

On Setien, he said: "Let's see if I don't get too emotional here... After my father, he's the most important person I have encountered in the world of football. He is much more than a friend, he is like a father. If I am here, it's thanks to him.

"I have shared incredible moments with him and learned a lot. Our relationship is extraordinary and I couldn't have found a better person to work with. I spoke with him about this chance and he's supported me. Now he will be one of my biggest critics as our paths separate." 

Sarabia will be joined by Jon Lopez and Manu Torres at Andorra. The former is someone he knows from his time as a player and someone who has worked as a scout for Valencia and Villarreal. Torres, meanwhile, also has experience at Villarreal.

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