Barcelona Starts Slow, Pique Blames Preseason
Gerard Pique blamed Barcelona’s preseason match for the slow start of the La Liga champions last season. Blaugrana’s tour to Japan and the United States influenced the start of their struggling campaign.
The pressure on coach Ernesto Valverde eased slightly after Barcelona’s 2-1 win over Villarreal in the 2019/2020 La Liga continued at Camp Nou on Tuesday (9/24/2019) local time or Wednesday (9/25/2019) early morning hrs. Antoine Griezmann and Arthur’s goals helped Barca pass Villarreal, who pulled one back through Santi Cazorla.
Barcelona tops 4th place in the La Liga standings with 10 points from six matches. While their arch enemy, Real Madrid, on top of it with 11 points from five matches. Madrid will host Osasuna on Thursday (9/26/2019) early morning hrs.
“The preseason did not help to start the competition well, a lot of traveling but a little training,” Pique said.
Pique sees Lionel Messi’s injury as one of the reasons why pre-season is detrimental. Messi made his first start of the season after recovering from a calf injury, when Barca was beaten by Granada 0-2 in the fifth La Liga match on Saturday (9/21/2019) or Sunday (9/22/2019) early morning hrs.
“Many of us are aware of it and we don’t have the beat, not only Messi. But we have to continue because we are forced to win, it’s a setback.”
“Look at what happened to Messi. But, there is no reason, in the team there are players who are qualified to replace him and continue, although we hope he will miss as short as possible.”
“But, there is no reason. Even though it’s the best, there’s no reason in Barcelona, even though undergoing preseason isn’t the best.”
“It’s important to win so as not to break away from the top teams. With both Leo’s goals and injuries, the team has retreated a bit.”
Barcelona travels to Getafe in their next match on Saturday.
