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If we were to make a list of the most difficult defenders to overcome today, we would definitely see Gerard Pique. The 24-year-old Spanish player combines technical skills, physical strength, and football intelligence, making his name among the best.
For the past two years, Pique has been included in the symbolic FIFA best football player lineup, determined by the votes of his fellow players.
In an interview with FIFA.com, Pique shared his thoughts on the success of recent years and the challenges of the future.
- Gerard, how do you feel being included for the second time in the FIFA best football player lineup?
- It is a great honor to be among the best, especially since it was determined by the votes of other players. They understand everything best.
- This recognition capped off successful years - "Barcelona" won almost all the tournaments they participated in. What is the secret of success?
- Pep Guardiola. Since he returned to the club, we have been at the very top. This is due to his approach to understanding football and his ability to motivate us. Last year we won almost all the tournaments, so I am proud and very satisfied. Victories are even sweeter because I achieve them in my hometown club, which I always supported.
- What makes Guardiola a special strategist?
- On the one hand, Pep sees football like no one else and is the best at conveying his ideas to the players. Many coaches just tell you to run left or right, but not why you should do it - this comes from a deeper understanding. In this way, without even realizing it, you learn something new every day and are able to make decisions on the field yourself.
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Furthermore, player motivation is important. Many teams won titles and then lost the hunger for victory. On the other hand, our desire to win only grows. We want to experience that pleasure of being the best again and again. Pep does not allow us to slack off.
- Guardiola himself has often emphasized how important it is to treat players as responsible adults for their own decisions...
- With him, you feel like a professional. It seems like the coach gives us more freedom, but in reality, we have the opportunity to make decisions. It's like a question: "Do you really want to live by doing this activity? Do you want to be the best and win a lot of trophies? It all depends on you. I'll let you stay home on match eve and do what you want, but you have to understand that if you play poorly, you won't appear in the starting lineup next time."
This creates a sense of maturity and a feeling as if you owe something to the coach, so you strive to repay with good performance.
- "Barcelona" has always managed to perform excellently in the most important matches: in the 2011 Champions League final against "Man Utd," in "El Clasico" games against Madrid's "Real"...
- I think the match against the Manchester team was amazing. It was one of the best performances I've ever seen. And we're not just talking about the result, but the way we achieved victory - playing well, dominating, and creating opportunities. Usually, in finals, there is a lot of nerves; teams try to score one goal and then defend their lead.
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The same thing happens in "El Clasico," as we have already gotten used to matches worthy of a final. The team knows how to focus at crucial moments, and sometimes this difference is enough to achieve a resounding victory.
- This season "Barcelona" often plays with only three defenders. Where did this idea come from and how successful is it?
- We started using this tactic to prepare for the season. We realized that we were becoming too predictable, so everyone opposing us tried to shut down defensively. The 3-4-3 formation aims to allow us to attack more, control the ball longer, and create more chances to score. However, it is not an easy system, it takes time to adapt to it.
- Especially for defenders...
- You have to run a lot more. After the matches, you clearly feel more tired, as you have to deal with a higher number of opponents' attacks. It's certainly not easy for central defenders. But it's a great thing that made me a more versatile footballer.
- You have worked with Guardiola and the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson. Are they different coaches?
- Very much. Ferguson is the kind of strategist who often doesn't show up at training sessions but stays in the office and performs other functions. He is more of a father figure, at least that's how it was when I arrived at the team at 17. Ferguson also motivated us very well - I won't forget his speech just before the games, which were fantastic.
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Meanwhile, Guardiola spends the whole day with the players and watches dozens of hours of videos to show us the opponents' weaknesses. Perhaps this is due to different experiences: Guardiola recently started his career, while Ferguson is much more experienced.
- Is coaching in Spain and England very different?
- Yes, even the reserves in England sit high up and not under the roof - practically next to the supporters! The cultures of these countries, along with football, are very different. In England, there is a lot of passion - an amazing atmosphere, full stadiums, fans never stop supporting, even if you are losing.
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In Spain, it's slightly different because fans often prefer to stay at home and fill the stadiums only for the most important matches. Maybe we demand more from the players, but we don't always support them all the time."
