Pique: 'Messi over Maradona'

By Football Italia staff

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique says Napoli can cause them problems “if we go on to the pitch with the wrong mentality,” and that he would pick Lionel Messi over Diego Maradona.

The Catalan outfit are in Naples for the first leg of their Champions League encounter, and Pique is aware of the threat Napoli pose.

“We have to fear many things from Napoli, they didn’t start the season well, but they have continued to improve in the last few weeks,” said Pique in his pre-game press conference.

“They have very good players like Dries Mertens, Lorenzo Insigne and Arkadiusz Milik. They can give us problems if we go on to the pitch with the wrong mentality.

“We will try to play our game, and it will be important to score.”

Barcelona have never faced Napoli in the Champions League era, and so playing in the Stadio San Paolo is new terrain for Pique.

“It’s our first time, it’s always a new experience, lately Napoli have improved, they beat Juventus and in the group stage they beat Liverpool.”

Pique was then asked about Messi coming to play in Diego Maradona’s backyard.

“Everything has already been said about Maradona, he is a unique player who has given a lot to the sport. He went to Barcelona and also to Napoli.

“He will be remembered forever. If, however, you ask me for a comparison between Maradona and Leo, I choose the consistency of Messi, considering his magic for so many years.

“I haven’t talked to Leo about playing in the San Paolo. He will surely be happy to play in a new stadium for him and for his history.

“The most important thing however, is to leave here with a good result.”

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