Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez launched a staunch defence of Gerard Pique after the defender was whistled by supporters during his side’s 3-0 win over Villarreal on Thursday.
Pique, 35, replaced Jules Kounde in the 78th minute of the LaLiga match at Camp Nou to the sound of jeers from his own fans.
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Another section of the crowd tried to get behind him, cheering his every touch and chanting his name in reaction to the boos he had received when coming on.
“In preseason, I asked for unity,” Xavi said in a news conference when asked for his opinion on the whistling of Pique. “It’s a moment to be united: the squad, the staff, the board, the fans, media.
“Whether he plays or not, the only thing I ask from Pique is that he is an example in the dressing room — and he is a gleaming example.
“I am saying this because he deserves it. He has never shown a bad attitude [when not playing]. He is an example as a captain and the fans should know that.”
