Gerard Piqué, speaking during the presentation in Madrid of a collaboration between Uber Eats—the food delivery platform he endorses—and the burger chain Vicio, addressed several current topics in the world of football.
The former player, a World Cup champion in 2010, remains optimistic despite Spain’s draw against Cape Verde in their tournament opener.
“After a draw, I think our chances of winning the World Cup actually increase, because a setback can be helpful,” he said.
“I think the players know how good they are—they’re coming off winning the Euros,” he added about the squad.
“I think the national team will do better against Saudi Arabia because of their style of play.”
Piqué continues to back Luis de la Fuente’s side as title contenders:
“I still think they’re one of the favorites. Just having players like Lamine, Pedri or Cubarsí means their ambitions remain the same,” he said.
“We’ve already lived through 2010—we lost to Switzerland, it felt like a disaster, and we ended up winning.”
Mourinho, Real Madrid and a “show”
Piqué also touched on Real Madrid topics. Regarding José Mourinho’s return to the bench, he suggested the Portuguese coach will bring plenty of spectacle:
“I think he’s a good candidate to put on a show and make people talk even less about football.”
He also mentioned former coach Álvaro Arbeloa:
“During the season, I actually wished Madrid would do a bit better—not win titles—but just enough because I wanted Arbeloa to stay,” he said.
“I think he generated a lot of content. The trophy cabinet moment, the ‘Juanito spirit’ in a Madrid-Levante game… I enjoy that kind of thing.”
Julián Álvarez and a dig at Madrid
When asked about Julián Álvarez, Piqué didn’t hold back:
“Barcelona have already signed Gordon, and Julián is now a big dream,” he said.
“Madrid has stepped in, like they do with every transfer, so I don’t know if it’ll happen. That’s up to Deco and the club.”
Cucurella and Bernardo Silva transfers
Piqué also discussed Marc Cucurella’s move to Real Madrid:
“I would never criticize a player for joining one club or another. I wish him well personally because I know him and he’s a great player, but in the end he signed for Madrid—and you know what I think about them as a club.”
On the timing of transfers being announced during the World Cup, like Cucurella and Bernardo Silva, he added:
“If my teammate signs for another club, I don’t really care. Another thing is whether the player himself might be a bit distracted,” he said.
“You’re playing in a World Cup—it’s the opportunity of a lifetime to win something unique that only comes around every four years. Everyone knows what they need to do to stay focused and perform at their best.”
Argentina and Messi
Finally, he spoke about Argentina and his former teammate Lionel Messi, now playing in his sixth World Cup:
“They’re still one of the favorites, without a doubt—and Messi, at 38, is still the best,” he concluded.