Pep gets the best out of us, says Pique

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique believes Pep Guardiola’s unique football philosophy is the main reason behind the club’s recent successes.

Guardiola has led Barcelona to three consecutive La Liga titles and two Champions League crowns since he took charge in 2008, with his side famed for their attractive style of play.

And Spanish international Pique said the coach’s ability to effectively communicate with his players was what made him such a success.

“On one hand, he sees football in ways nobody else does, and then he explains it better than anyone,” Pique told fifa.com.

“Lots of coaches just tell you to move right or move left, but he gives you the reasons why, which means you clearly understand why you’re doing something.”

“On top of that, you have the way he motivates us. Loads of teams have won a lot of titles but then start losing their hunger, whereas we’re getting hungrier all the time.”

“We want to have that feeling of pleasure, when you feel like you’re the best, again and again. Pep doesn’t let us take our foot off the pedal. He’s always on our case and trying to get the very best out of each one of us.”

Barcelona are currently preparing for the second leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final against Real Madrid, with the Catalans holding a 2-1 lead.