Gerard Pique: "People don't value me for my work on the pitch"
Gerard Pique was the Barcelona player summoned to speak to the press ahead of Wednesday night's confrontation with Apoel Nicosia in the Champions League at Camp Nou.
The Azulgrana defender was questioned on his performances so far in a season which has yet to see him hold down a place in Luis Enrique's side.
"I always try to do the best possible," Pique said. "I am happy with the level I have shown in the minutes I have played. I can't do anything about the public opinion."
On that very subject, the 27-year-old suggested he was annoyed at the image which has been projected of him.
"I feel that, for a while, I have not been valued for what I have done sportingly," he continued. "I have been learning more every year. The years remaining in my career will be the same. I say that calmly because I work hard every day. I'm proud to be part of this squad and this club."
Pique also spoke about one of his new defensive colleagues: Jeremy Mathieu.
"He is a quick player and he is very good on the ball," he explained. "He's tall and he helps us in the air. He has adapted really well and playing by his side is really relaxing."
The Spain defender also added that Luis Enrique has helped return the side to its origins after a year with Tata Martino in which "the defensive line was slower" - things are much more comfortable now.
"This style of play is similar to when Josep Guardiola arrived," Pique pointed out.
He also praised the connection between Lionel Messi and Neymar after both were involved in seeing off Athletic Club at the weekend.
Finally, the former Manchester United man spoke about Barça's first opponents in this season's edition of the Champions League, Apoel Nicosia from Cyprus, before finishing by saying how difficult it is to win Europe's top prize regularly.
"If we have to win the Champions League every three of four years it would be very complicated," Pique said.
"History reveals we have only won it four times. Evidently we have a very good generation of players, though, and we must take advantage of that.
"We hope to win more titles but we cannot win the Champions League each year. That would be an extra presure that nobody wants."
