Pique demands an overhaul at Barcelona: 'We have hit rock bottom'

Veteran Barcelona defender Gerard Pique dubbed Friday's 8-2 Champions League hammering at the hands of Bayern Munich a "disgrace."

The five-time tournament winners were sent packing at the quarterfinal stage in stunning fashion, leading the 33-year-old to call for sweeping changes.

"We have hit rock bottom. This is not the first, nor the second, nor the third time. We are not on the right path," Pique said after the match in Lisbon, according to Agence France-Presse.

"Coaches and players follow one another, but it has been several years since we have been able to be competitive on a European level," he added. "We all have to think internally and decide what is best for the club, for Barca. Tonight was unacceptable for Barcelona."

The Catalan side, which last won the competition in 2015, also missed out on the La Liga title this season, succumbing to rivals Real Madrid. Friday's defeat signals the end to a tumultuous campaign that included a managerial change and altogether insipid play.

"It was a horrible match. It leaves a bad feeling, a disgrace," Pique said.

He added: "The club needs changes. And I'm not talking at the level of the coach or the players, but structurally the club needs changes of all kinds. We must bring in new blood to change this dynamic, and if necessary, I would be the first to leave."

Barcelona head into the summer break short on financial might as a result of the strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and they'll likely need to sell players before they can bring in new faces to rebuild an aging squad.