Gerard Pique is the boss, once again

Gerard Pique is not enjoying himself after a difficult summer on both a personal and professional level. They whistled him in the stadiums in the US on Barcelona’s pre-season tour, and at Son Moix too. The only place he isn’t being whistled is at Camp Nou. That’s what he’s holding on to to smile in a strange time in his life.

Invited to leave by Barcelona, he decided to stay. And not just because he is owed a lot of money. For someone who has their life sorted on an economic level, leaving Camp Nou like that was not an option. Pique wants to prove himself again.

He did it at Mallorca, where he played 90 minutes and delivered what was needed. Also in Milan where he came on for the injured Christensen. And he will start against Celta with Eric Garcia.

You could even say that the natural pair at the back should be this formation of La Masia players, who each went to England and came back to Barcelona to triumph. Both are tactically smart and, without histrionics, perform very well. Many have fallen but Barcelona are still well covered in defence. For age, experience and history, Pique is still the boss. And there is Eric, his best ally.