Josep Vives: Barcelona's obligation is to reduce the tension in the derby LaLiga - Espanyol vs Barcelona Pique's comments stoke the fire

At a press conference to discuss and present the the results of a recent survey to club members, Barcelona spokesman, Josep Vives, was bombarded with questions from the media about the tension surrounding Sunday's Catalan derby, something that the Blaugrana wish to diffuse.

The Blaugrana Observatory studied, amongst other things, spending on the Espai Barca project, which includes an upgraded Camp Nou.

"We must all respect each other," Vives said to reporters.

"We will defend our players because we understand that their statements do not intend to incite violence.

"Fair play is encouraged and I think that the rivalry is healthy and magnificent."

"Barcelona have not had any contact with Espanyol, but we are going to this game with the intention of putting the tension to one side.

"It's our obligation to do so in a derby that is going to be well competed and beautiful."

For the semi final of the Copa del Rey, the Camp Nou was only half full, and the media wanted to know why.

"What the club want is that the Camp Nou is always full, with a great atmosphere, and we work to make it happen every week," Vives continued.

"There are many factors, we can't attribute it to a single one.

"In June we will make an assessment of how the attendances have been."

Asked about the worrying level of spending for the Espai Barca, projected, Vives remained positive.

"The members haven't expressed concern about this," he noted.

"They are happy with the management of the club, and our economic stability is guaranteed.

"For six consecutive years we have closed with profit which means that there has been a management in which sustainability has prevailed."