Barça coach Valverde says Pique has overcome knee injury
The defender struggled with his fitness through February and March
Gerard Pique has 100 percent recovered from the knee problem which he picked up in the Catalan derby against Espanyol at Cornella-El Prat. That's what Ernesto Valverde has claimed in a press conference before Saturday's game against Leganes.
The Barcelona coach, asked about the possibility of resting him, explained it's not necessary: "Pique's training normally. I think he's in extraordinary form. Very good in defence, joining in attacks... It's true he had that problem, but he's overcome it."
It's great news for Barça, who have one of their key players back in full fitness at a key moment in the season.
Valverde was then asked why Pique has struck up such a good partnership with his centre-back partner, Samuel Umtiti, this season.
He responded: "Umtiti and Pique work well together because they are both really good. They have played together quite a lot now, too.
"Everyone needs time to get used to their teammates, Samuel and Gerard have been together for a while, so they know each other well now. They know when one pushes, presses, who needs to lead the line, who sits back. All those things are internalised between them now.
"Football is not always predictable, but they do well together because of their talent and the fact they play together a lot."
Topics with the letter
