Gerard Pique SUBBED after just 32 minutes and replaced by 17-year-old Gavi as Barcelona shambles continues vs Benfica

BARCELONA icon Gerard Pique was hauled off after just 32 minutes against Benfica on Wednesday – despite NOT having an injury.

Manager Ronald Koeman’s decision appeared to be tactical as the World Cup winning defender was replaced by a midfielder HALF his age.

AFPGerard Pique was hauled off after just 32 minutes against Benfica[/caption]

GettyThe iconic defender seemed devastated with Ronald Koeman’s decision[/caption]

Barca made a dreadful start to the Champions League fixture, with forward Darwin Nunez, 22, giving Benfica a 1-0 lead in the third minute.

Pique, 34, was booked shortly after and was fortunate not to receive a second yellow from referee Daniele Orsato in the 30th minute.

Koeman, perhaps sensing a red was coming, hauled the legendary centre-back off moments later and decided to switch to a back four.

Pique was replaced by Gavi, 17, who was born just two months before the defender made his senior debut for Manchester United in October 2004.

And Barca fans were not surprised with Koeman’s decision, with one tweeting: “Pique wasn’t playing well and was close to a red card.”

Another wrote: “Koeman is clueless, Gavi should have started anyway.”

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And one supporter tweeted: “Seriously, it’s not working out with Koeman.”

Koeman is under huge pressure after an uninspiring start to the season, picking up 12 points from their first six LaLiga games.

Barca have also looked out of their depth in Europe, losing 3-0 at home to Bayern Munich in their Champions League opener.

Pique, meanwhile, appears to be on the decline after enjoying more than a decade of success at the Nou Camp.

The four-time Champions League winner hasn’t appeared in the world, European or LaLiga Team of the Season for FIVE years.

Pique was recently deployed as a STRIKER by Koeman in Barcelona’s 1-1 draw with LaLiga rivals Granada.

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