16.07.2008 11:59
"Since I arrived, everything has been positive"
Jordi Clos
Gerard Piqué has revealed that he has settled back into life at FC Barcelona very quickly and believes that "the atmosphere among the squad is very good and I already feel like just another player".
After completing only his second training session with the Blaugrana, the club's youth team product
appeared in front of the media. "Since I arrived everything has been positive," he said. "The first
day was important and was great and the second, in the Miniestadi, was a new experience.
A good feeling
Piqué is already enjoying that the positive feeling among the
players. "The atmosphere is very good and I already feel like just another player," he continued.
"It feels great to be here and I am delighted to be back training on the pitch and like the rest of
the players, I feel in good shape."
"The competition here is very strong," the 21-year-old explained. "Now I have come in and am
only thinking about being a starter in the team and to help the club to win trophies."
Guardiola’s plans
Reflecting on his first impressions of Pep Guardiola as a coach, Piqué explained: "He is
putting across his ideas, his way of playing, and the players are beginning to learn what he wants.
He talks with us a lot and that makes everyone feel important."
Asked about the similarities between Barça and Manchester United, he said: "It is a different
way of coaching. There, Feguson was the manager and it was Carlos Queiroz that came out to do the
coaching."
No added pressure
After monitoring events at the club closely over the summer,
Piqué stated: "People expect results, but we have no more pressure on us than normal. The club has
gone through a difficult stage and now we have to focus on the team. If we give everything that we
have then there will be no problems and all the supporters will be happy."
Praise for Ronaldinho
The central defender then spoke about Ronaldinho's departure. "It is aplayer leaving like any
other and not a lot has been said about it," he added. "We only talk about the present because that
is what is important.
"As a football fan and a Barça supporter I can say that Ronaldinho has been an icon for the
club and helped us win so many trophies. When he arrived nobody expected him to win two league
titles and the Champions League and that he would be the best player in the world. He may not have
had the best exit, but he has nothing to reproach himself about."