Pique denies Guardiola rift
Gerard Pique, Barcelona
The Spanish international had a poor game in the heart of defence as Barcelona lost 3-2 to Osasuna two weeks ago and was subsequently left out of the squad for their UEFA Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen.
However, Pique believes there’s nothing to read from that and insists that he has a good working relationship with the coach.
"There aren't any problems," he said. "We've been working together for years. I know what he wants from me and I don't think there are any problems in that sense.
"We have always spoken to each other face to face whenever there's been anything to be said and if there is anything wrong, then he wouldn't have any problem with coming up to me and saying it.”
The 40-year-old coach is yet to commit his future to Barcelona with his contract running out at the end of the current season, but Pique says he should be given space and time to make his decision.
"I don't think it depends on us. The manager has always said he is proud of our performances and how we behave on the pitch. I think his biggest doubts are related to his family and his personal life,” said Pique.
"He has to dedicate 24 hours a day to football, and that's too much sometimes.
"We are doing all we can for him to renew. All the players have stated what we want and we are doing all we can on the pitch to show how much we would like him to stay with us. But it's his decision, and we have to respect it."
Barcelona will be looking to pick up maximum points from a tough clash against Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderon Stadium on Sunday night.
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