FCBARCELONA.CAT

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."