Pique: La Liga referees have not been up to par throughout the season

Pique: La Liga referees have not been up to par throughout the season

Piqué, jugando con Puyol en la Cruyff Court
Piqué, jugando con Puyol en la Cruyff Court | sport

The Barça defender thinks it's time for VAR to be used in Spain's top flight

He also spoke about Carvajal, the Copa del Rey final and Madrid vs. Juventus

Gerard Pique opened the new 'Cruyff Court' which is a project ran by the 'Cruyff Foundation' on Wednesday. The Barcelona defender did so in Sant Guim de Freixenet, where his father, Joan Pique, is from. Afterwards, he spoke to the press about a number of matters. 

La Liga got away due to dropped points or referees? Is VAR now essential?

Obviously I think that if Real Madrid are champions it's because they've won more points. If referees have influenced that or not, well, you can make many assessments and there are a lot of points of view, but yes, I think VAR is completely necessary. Next season they should take the measures to implement it. Not just for games that influence Madrid or Barça, but in general terms the referees haven't been up to par. But also it's necessary because it will help referees and reduce the pressure. The conclusion from this year is that VAR is necessary and obligatory. 

What's your opinion on Valverde?

I have no idea (who the new coach will be). I can talk about Valverde or many others... He's done a great job at Athletic. He was here as a player and he could be a good option, but it's not a job for me to worry about. 

What's your opinion on Sandro Rosell being arrested?

I don't think it's the day to talk about that. Laws are there to be complied with. I don't know Sandro's situation, if he's complied with them or not. Until there's a resolution, it's best not to speak about it and to presume innocence. I can't say anything. Let the justice system do its work. 

Is winning just the Copa a failure compared to what Madrid could win?

It's not a failure, but it's not the season we wanted, the season we dreamed of. But I'm not going to rate our season with respect to a rival. We have to reflect, think about the season, regardless of our rivals' results, but knowing that this club can aspire to much more. On Saturday we can win a trophy, it could have been better, but it's another trophy for the club's honours. 

Why did Carvajal chant about you when Madrid were celebrating?

"It's a known chant [among fans] and I don't consider it an insult. It was a moment of euphoria, of celebration... I have played with Carvajal, I play cards with him. I know him well and he's a good guy. He sent a message [after the controversy] and I quickly sent him one back saying there's no problem; no need to apologise. I don't think we need to give it much importance.

Will you watch the Champions League final in a Juve shirt?

I don't know if I can watch it. I will be on a course at Harvard in business, media, sports and entertainment.

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