Pique: ‘Barcelona (and Real Madrid) would struggle in Stoke’
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has concurred the view first put forth by football pundit Andy Gray: that Barcelona would struggle on a cold, rainy night in Stoke.
Pique, who won the Premier League in 2008 during his one season with Manchester United, told the Daily Telegraph that the Premier League might prove tougher than expected for Barça and archrivals Real Madrid.
“I think that if Barcelona or Real Madrid goes to the Premier League then the first year of playing there, there is no chance of winning it,” Pique said.
“If you go to Stoke, or other types of teams, then it will be really tough. It’s a debate – we could spend hours on it. If Manchester United or Chelsea go to Spain then the same. No chance to win the league.”
The 28-year-old World Cup and European Championship winner is currently on international duty with Spain. The Spanish have won consecutive European Championships and are looking to defend their title this summer.
As preparation continues for the tournament, Spain will face England in a friendly this Friday before taking on Belgium four days later.
Pique will then rejoin his Barcelona teammates ahead of next weekend’s La Liga showdown with Real Madrid.