Pique's warning to Vidal: "Others deserve to play"

Gerard Pique pulled no punches in his analysis of Barcelona's disappointing goalless draw on French soil, speaking in typically open fashion about refereeing decisions, his side's fragility in front of goal and the substitution of Arturo Vidal. But he began by addressing the furore over Real Madrid's controversial defeat in basketball's recent El Clasico.

"All this fuss is just noise to cover up the fact that Barca were the champions and deserved to lift the title in Madrid without being favourites" said the Spaniard, referring to the debate surrounding basketball's Copa del Rey final.

He also dismissed accusations that Barcelona are struggling in front of goal in the football, evidenced by their drawing blank against Lyon, claiming that "we have seen an improvement, although we know we can improve further."

"I've been here a long time and we always seem to have a slump in February or March where we go off the boil for three games or so. We have to improve results step by step. Next up is Sevilla"

He then moved onto his team-mate Vidal, saying "Arturo is good enough to start in important matches, but at Barcelona there's a lot of competition and lot of quality", referring to the central midfielder's substitution for Sergi Roberto against Lyon.

And before the press conference's end, the Catalan left a warning for Vidal: "He has to understand that there are other players who deserve to play too."