Pique appeared on the Spanish comedy program “La Sotana”, talked about his football career, and also hinted that Josep Maria Bartomeu might be the worst president of his era in Barcelona, in addition to his defense of his French colleague Samuel Umtiti. . .
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique revealed that since he started dating Colombian singer Shakira, his relationship with former “Polograna” coach Pep Guardiola has strained significantly.
Pique said about Ronald Koeman’s future in Barcelona training: “We are not obligated to sign a coach, Laporta needs some time to think, and Koeman ended up choosing, and now he is the ideal coach.”
Pique spoke about the team captains reducing their salaries, saying: “I gave up part of my salary, my contract expired this year, but if I played a certain number of matches, it will be renewed on the same terms, and now that has changed.”
Pique defended long-time injury-stricken Umtiti, saying: “He abides by all his contractual obligations, you have to be understanding, the situation is flawless, he didn’t miss any training, the other thing is the contract. He’s signed.” By a president voted on by club members.
He added: “Most people have been in a company for 30 years and do nothing, if they were at another club, Manchester United for example, they would do the same thing as Umtiti.
Pique said about Messi’s departure: “Joan Laporta called us to inform us of the matter even though we had reduced our salaries. The club was waiting for what happened with Lionel before it was announced, because the agreement was made.”
Pique revealed during his talk about his relationship with Guardiola and how he was damaged in recent seasons as a coach for Barcelona, and the Catalan club defender said: “We have reached a difficult point of tension with him and with the dressing room.” room in general.
Gerard Pique, Pep Guardiola – Barcelona
He added: “The competition with Jose Mourinho was very stressful, Pep wanted absolute control over everything that happened.”
He continued: “When I started dating Shakira, the relationship with him changed, and now the relationship is perfect, I was under a lot of pressure, I felt that in training I should do everything perfectly, if there was a moment when I thought about leaving Barcelona, that was the season.”
Pique concluded his speech by referring to Josep Maria Bartomeu, the former president of Barcelona, saying: “I cannot judge if it is the worst. I am optimistic and excited, and the next few years will be good for FC Barcelona.”