Gerard Pique is happy for Barcelona’s stars returning to fitness, says the club atmosphere is good, whilst affirming focus is not yet on Atletico Madrid.
On from leading them on goal difference at the top of the table over Christmas, the Catalans face Atleti in Week 19 of La Liga.
Whilst reflecting on the mood at the Camp Nou, Pique has mused that focus is not yet moved beyond Week 18’s upcoming match with Elche.
“Right now there is a great atmosphere and there is no uncertainty,” the defender has told reporters today.
“The team is well positioned and we are all as one, we are Barca. In the League, Cup and Champions League, we will encounter very difficult opponents.
“We may defeat some and others may eliminate us, but we will give everything, as always.
“Facing Atletico? We cannot forget the game against Elche [this coming weekend], because if we drop points then that is a handicap for the rest of the season.
“We are going game by game and we have to focus on Elche.”
Barca expect to have Lionel Messi, Victor Valdes and Xavi Hernandez fit and available in the new year after respective injury absences.
“The return of Messi, Valdes and also of Xavi is the best Christmas present possible. It is good that all the players are available to the Coach and that we have more competition.
“Leo is the best in the world. Whether he is there or not, he is influential, certainly. The team has coped in these few weeks that he has been absent, but he is the best and gives us a lot.
“To win things you need everyone well and more so if they are the best in the world. It’s a no-brainer, we cannot hide from it. We are lucky to have him in our squad.”
Pique was talking ahead of Catalonia’s friendly with Cape Verde at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys de Montjuic on Monday evening, which will involve a number of Barca players.
“It is important to focus on playing well and suffering no injuries. Tonight on the pitch will be some world class footballers.
“Yes, it is true that we could compete at a high level against other teams, but I do not know how far we could go.”
