Gerard Pique admitted that Barcelona ‘are not the same side’ without Lionel Messi and confessed that the player’s exit was an ‘emotional blow’ for the club.
Messi gave a farewell press conference at the Camp Nou on Sunday as his exit from the Catalan giants was confirmed, three days after the club confirmed he could not renew his contract.
His exit will leave a notable hole in the Blaugrana’s attacking ranks, in which he has been the fulcrum and talisman for the past 15 seasons.
Barca played their first match in the post-Messi era on Sunday night as Ronald Koeman’s side defeated Juventus in the Joan Gamper trophy.
Pique said after the 3-0 win on Sunday, in quotes carried by Marca : "You are not the same side in terms of talent and magic when the best player ever leaves.
"You lose an important attacking player, who gives you a lot of goals and assists, but you have to stay competitive.
"We know that without Leo we will lose a very important piece. He is the best player in history. At the talent level we will not be as talented, but the team has to grow in other aspects.
"There are players who have to assume more responsibility and other roles. In the end we are obliged to compete and try to win.
"It is an emotional blow, especially for those of us who have spent a lot of time with him. We know that it hurts us and him too.
"And in football, it is obvious. You are talking about the best player of all time. I think the team is going to adapt.
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"There are players and talent and now what is missing is bringing people together. Things will work out. We are Barça and in the end we will end up competing for the titles."
Pique also spoke about the whistles from the club’s fans towards his central defensive partner Samuel Umtiti.
Barca fans whistled their central defender, apparently due to the player’s reluctance to accept a severance package from the club - which played a part in Messi being unable to renew his deal at the Camp Nou.
Pique added: "It is a very complicated situation. People have every right to express themselves, but also if we were in their situation there would be many who would try to fight for what they must do and for what they have signed at the time.
"In the end they are club workers. It's a complicated situation. I understand that people express themselves, but I would tell them to all row together.
"Help the team. We are in a new era in which we need the fans more than ever. Whistles do not help, no matter how much people are disappointed."
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