The Barca coach says there's no need to think about any problems that may arise
Gerard Pique is always in the eye of the hurricane when Espanyol host Barcelona. However Barca coach Ernesto Valverde tried to play down the defender's potential targetting by the fans.
"Pique's having a really good season," said Valverde. "We don't have to think anything special about him and things that haven't happened.
"We hope the atmosphere will be the best it can be, despite the rivalry. We always try to downplay these things, but on the pitch we don't have any friends. We know what it means for them to win and they know what it means for us. We have to normalise relations and I think things are good between the clubs and the players.
"The important thing is what happens on the pitch. And after, whatever happens, we have to shake hands. I hope that everyone shows respect and that there's a good atmosphere."
