Xavi backs Pique: "I know him, he's focused, attention gives him fuel"

Xavi is certain that Gerard Pique will not allow off-field issues to affect his performance, claiming that the

center-back will be inspired by the critiques he is receiving. 

Pique has had to explain himself in recent days when it was revealed that when the Supercopa de Espana was transferred to Saudi Arabia in 2020, he negotiated a €24 million fee. 

Leaked audio recordings prompted El Confidencial to allege that the 35-year-sports old's entertainment business Kosmos was behind the arrangement and that they would gain to the tune of €4 million each event throughout the six-year pact with Saudi Arabia.

The head of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Luis Rubiales, defended himself at a press conference on Wednesday, two days after Pique said on Twitch: "

I have nothing to hide, everything we have done is legal." 

Another leaked conversation between Pique and Rubiales concerned the possibility of the defender representing Spain at the Tokyo Olympics. 

While Xavi admits the circumstance is unpleasant, he believes he trusts Pique's motives in the Supercopa, stating the issue would inspire his former teammate to play better.

"He is outgoing and likes to be on people's lips," Xavi told a news conference ahead of Barca's LaLiga meeting with Real Sociedad.

"I am more diplomatic. I know him. If he wasn't focused, I would warn him, but it [attention] gives him fuel. It's adrenaline for him. It's like a drug, in a good sense of the word. He's focused.

"Pique's Twitch didn't bother me, it [would] bother me if he didn't give it his all or didn't follow the rules. It's Gerard and I know him. I know how to manage him and he needs it. He's doing well to compete, he needs this stimulus. 

"It's very difficult, my opinion doesn't change anything. There are two people involved. I know Rubiales well, he's a noble guy.

"I trust his honesty. He must explain himself, and [so must] Pique. I think they looked for the good of the great majority. I want to think that. If it is ethical or not? There are opinions of all kinds."

Xavi has his own challenges to deal with when he's not with Pique. After defeats in the

against Eintracht Frankfurt and

against Cadiz, Barcelona has lost their past two matches at home in all competitions for the first time since April 2003. 

The latter setback dropped Barcelona to 15 points behind toppers Real Madrid, who can extend their advantage to 18 points with a win against Osasuna before the Blaugrana's match against La Real the next day. 

"There was no anger, but I told them things clearly," Xavi said when asked what he told his players following the loss to Cadiz. "You have to be better, the game had to be won.

"I feel bad, I like to win, but I have to face reality. I will not change what I believe. In the league we had a good run until Cadiz."

Before their 1-0 setback at Camp Nou on Monday, Barca had a wonderful run, going undefeated in 15 LaLiga games. 

They share 60 points with Sevilla and Atletico Madrid, but are just five points clear of sixth-placed Real Sociedad.

Barcelona, on the other hand, is undefeated in their past 11 league encounters with the Basques, and hasn't lost any of their last 12 LaLiga road games.

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