Gerard Pique: This is what it is, we are who we are

Gerard Pique admitted that this is how things are now for Barcelona, after they were beaten 3-0 by Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

“If we have to be honest, right now we're not among the favourites, but that doesn't matter that we're not,” said the defender. 

“In other years we were and we didn't win it, why not be unfancied and then later in the season things can change? No one had Chelsea as favourites last year. Football changes quickly. Despite the result, we did well in spells. 

“Bayern are really solid and we are who we are. It is what it is. At the end, we had a lot of kids on. We're Barca and I don't want to make excuses, though. We will see at the end of the season. 

“I think the result flatters them but it's a bad result at home, although looking at the first half we competed. 

“They took the lead from a deflected goal. The second goal did a lot of damage. What stays with me is the 18-year-old kids coming on and competing. 

“Hopefully the injured players will come back soon. I am convinced we can compete. They were superior today, of course, but we have people like Ansu, Ousmane, Aguero who can make us, above all in attack, more competitive. 

On the whistles for Sergi Roberto, the defender took exception to them.

“It hurts me a lot personally because I know him as a person, he's a great human being and loves this club more than anything,” said Pique. 

“I would like to remind people he's not a full-back, either, and he's making a huge sacrifice by playing there. It hurts a lot. People are free to express their opinions, but if you're asking me, it hurts a lot.”