Spanish manager Julen Lopetegui backs Barcelona defender Gerard Pique after he was consistently booed during his involvement in Spain’s 2-2 draw with Colombia.
Gerard Pique was among the Barcelona players that featured in the Spain-Colombia international friendly a few days ago. The match was very entertaining and it ended in a 2-2 draw after an Alvaro Morata late equalizer. Jordi Alba and Andres Iniesta were the other Barcelona players that featured in this match. However, Pique was the topic of conversation after the match ended. With every touch of the ball, the fans in Murcia booed and whistled at him.
Of course, this isn’t new to Pique as he has been ridiculed in many arenas over the years. As a Barca player, Real Madrid fans are not too fond of the central defender. He has made many comments about his rivals from questioning their values to saying that Madrid gets help from the referees. Overall, Pique is a controversial figure in the Spanish National Team and for Barca because of these comments. Despite that, his manager for Spain, Julen Lopetegui, has come out and defended his central defender.
"“Everyone is entitled to do what they want but I don’t think it’s good that a player is booed. Gerard gives everything on the pitch, his commitment is beyond doubt and if they boo him, they are not doing him justice.”Lopetegui On Pique Being BooedMore from Everything BarcaFC Barcelona tracking Belgian WonderkidFC Barcelona vs Betis Player RatingsBarça boss Xavi to get contract extensionFC Barcelona planning swoop for Arsenal midfielderBarcelona interested in €30 million wonderkid"
Pique also talked about the jeers thrown his way during the match. There are many things to look at when it comes to this situation. It’s the fact that the fans were cheering for Spain to win the match but booing their own compatriot that is interesting. The consistent trolling of Real Madrid players and fans through social media also stands out.
"“Why do you pay so much attention to this? Why don’t you talk about football instead? This is news because you [media] want it. You make this sound important and make them whistle me. It’s not down to [Catalan] independence, have you ever heard me take a stance on this before? I’ve said it 1,000 times and I’m tired of saying it again. It’s always the same, this country is divided between Barca and Madrid fans and the latter feel annoyed by my comments.”Pique On His Comments Toward Real Madrid"
Next: Season Player Ratings: Messi
Overall, Pique has seen this many times before and it will continue until he retires from the national team. In fact, that time is soon to come. Pique has said that he plans to retire from the national team so that others can take his place. This will take place after next summers World Cup in Russia. In the meantime, Pique and Spain are soon to get back into World Cup qualifying as the summer marches on.