Gerard Pique has played down the assertion that there is friction between him and Barcelona Coach Tito Vilanova.
The defender’s comments after Barca’s European elimination against Bayern Munich that ‘some decisions will have to be made’ in the summer was followed up by Vilanova’s assessment on Saturday that Pique himself may be the subject of one of those decisions.
However, following on from the Coach explaining that his comments were in jest, Pique has also explained that all is well between the two.
“I hold Tito in the highest regard, he was coaching me when I was 15 years old. I don’t feel bad about what was said yesterday,” commented the centre-back to reporters after yesterday’s game.
“He is the Coach and he has every right to say what he wants. I said that we needed to improve, and I was talking about myself on a personal level. We all need to improve next season.”
Attention then turned to Sunday’s 4-2 home win against Real Betis, which Barca were made to work for, having been 2-1 down at the break.
“This was extremely important. This match almost guarantees us the league title. It was vital.
“We played a great match, in the first half we were unlucky – they had two chances and they scored two goals. In the second half we played the same brand of football and we managed to win. Football gave us what we deserved.
“Messi’s impact from the bench? We know that he’s the best player in the world, and we hope he continues to be for many years to come.
“He knows to be at the right place at the right time.”
