Pique - Barca set standard

Centre-half reflects on an historic campaign for the Catalan giants

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 29th May 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Pique - Barca set standard

Pique: Special season

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Gerard Pique feels Barcelona have 'moved on to a different level' following their Treble-winning exploits.

The Catalan giants have enjoyed a glittering 2008/09 campaign, claiming Primera Liga, Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League crowns.

Their dominance at home and abroad has earned them widespread acclaim, with Pep Guardiola's side now considered to be the finest side on the planet.

Pique certainly buys into that point of view, with the centre-half of the opinion that Barcelona now set the standard for others to try and reach.

"We have moved on to a different level now," he said.

"Manchester United have been really good for three years. They have won the Premier League and they have been in two European finals.

"But you cannot be at the top all the time, year after year. Sometimes other teams beat you."

Barcelona overcame Pique's former employers, Manchester United, in Wednesday's Champions League final, and the Spain international believes that success has justified his decision to head back to his homeland last summer.

Special

"It is a special moment and no one can deny we deserved it," said Pique.

"To win it with Barcelona, who have been my club all my life, against Manchester United is excellent. It justifies my decision to come back.

"Since the first day I came, I believed in this team. I believe in the coach.

"When you start the season you might expect one or two titles.

"But in 109 years of history we have never won the treble. You never expect that.

"It just made it a fantastic evening - but it is a little bit sad as well.

"The United guys are all my friends and they have lost, so it is not a completely happy occasion for me."

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