The Catalan centre-back’s response was that he would focus on Barça ahead of his hectic personal and business life and that he would earn his place. On the other hand, the coach did keep his trust in Sergio Busquets intact, his extension on the pitch, and also in Sergi Roberto and Jordi Alba, even though their ownership will be expensive. In fact, if Reus continues to play for Barça it is thanks to the support he has received from Xavi and to accept a substantially downward renewal, while the Hospitalet winger maintains a great relationship with the coach, much closer than the that the coach has with Piqué.
After the first four days of the League, the central defender has not played a single minute and the television shots in which he leaves the bench with a long face are accumulating. Piqué’s ostracism contrasts with the prominence gained by Eric Garcia, who has so far played all the minutes he has been available, except when he was substituted as a precaution against Sevilla due to minor adductor problems. So far the pairs of central players that Xavi has chosen are: Christensen-Eric in the first two games and Araujo-Eric in the last two.
Despite maintaining a neat public speech, the Barcelona coach is understood when he speaks. “I have no complaints. I want him with us. I have a very good relationship with him and he will help us, he is a captain. He must be key, with his veteranity, experience and commitment. He will play, there will be opportunities for everyone. I never thought I would leave [en relació a l’interès del club per cedir-lo a l’Inter de Milà]”, Xavi evaluated Jordi Alba on Friday. On the other hand, this is what he said about Piqué: “I see him calm, training well, he trained very well this week. It will help us, no players are bothering us from those who have stayed. We have to be a family and all row in the same direction. Regarding his personal life, I just try to make him happy, although I try not to get into those aspects. In football matters I have no complaints, he will be very useful for us this season.”
First rotations
This Wednesday, in the debut in the Champions League against the modest Viktoria Plzen, Xavi will apply the first rotations. Eric will rest to finish cleaning up his troubles. Araujo is one of the other footballers called upon to have minutes of rest, while Christensen and Kounde are profiled as the starting central pair, with Roberto and Alba on the wings. The first slot is also opened to see if Piqué returns to the eleven or has minutes.
