Pique: Guardiola still motivated

Barcelona centre-back Gerard Pique has dismissed the suggestion Pep Guardiola is disinterested as manager of the European champions.

The 41-year-old took charge of Barca’s first team in 2008 and has since guided the club to 13 trophies, including three La Liga titles and two Champions League crowns.

Guardiola has yet to commit his future to Barca beyond the end of the season, when his contract expires, but Pique believes that the lack of progress regarding the coach’s new deal is not related to his views on the job.

“I see Guardiola more motivated than in his first year here. That says everything,” Pique said during a press conference.

“Ever since Pep arrived, the team has not stopped growing. Barca are stronger now than four years ago.”

Barca are second in the La Liga standings, seven points behind leaders Real Madrid, but Pique has asked the fans not to lose hope.

“It is others who have to win it and it is going to seem very long to them,” Pique said.

“We will put pressure on them, there are many matches left and we will play against Madrid at Camp Nou.”

“Trust us, because we will always be fighting. We have always shown that we can play well on any field.”

Pique said he would have no problem playing the Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabeu, as the Spanish Football Federation has not yet determined the venue for the match.

“It would be good if the final was played at the Bernabeu because it has a big seating capacity,” he said.

“Let us wait until Monday to see what is decided.”