Barcelona great Gerard Pique is full of praise for Barca Atletic coach Rafa Marquez.

Pique insists the Mexican is capable of leading the Barca senior team.

The Andorra owner told ESPN Mexico: "Yes, he is definitely ready. Rafa is something more than ready for this kind of experience, for the attitude he has, for his knowledge and for experience.

"He is in a learning process as a coach and I am sure that in the future we will see him on a La Liga bench. I don't know whether it will be Barca or another team, but he is preparing excellently."

However, this does not mean that Xavi's work should be underestimated: "Barcelona are playing well, achieving good results. And although the Clasico is a tough match, they can only be the favourites."