Gerard Pique insists Barcelona are ahead of Real Madrid: ‘They are still superior’ | OneFootball

Gerard Pique has never been afraid to speak his mind and, even after retirement, his commitment and loyalty to Barcelona simply do not fade.

The legendary Spanish defender believes Barcelona head into the new season as Spain’s strongest team, insisting Hansi Flick’s side still hold the edge over Real Madrid despite their rivals’ activity in the transfer market.

Speaking to the media (h/t SPORT) during the Kings League Club World Cup in Milan, the former Barcelona defender backed his old club to begin the campaign as La Liga favourites.

Pique backs Barça over Real Madrid

Pique pointed to continuity and recent success as the biggest reasons behind his confidence and did not hesitate when asked to compare the two Spanish giants.

“I think Barça, today and at the start of La Liga, are still superior,” he said.

Barcelona still superior to Real Madrid says Pique. (Photo by Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images For Sportel)

Despite Real Madrid strengthening their squad and continuing to be linked with more signings, Pique believes Barcelona deserve to be considered the team to beat after winning the last two league titles.

“The fact you’ve won the last two La Liga titles gives you status and credibility to start as favourites. Then you have to prove it,” he added.

Pique highlights stability under Hansi Flick as a major advantage

Pique also highlighted the importance of continuity under Flick.

He believes Barcelona’s players already have a deep understanding of the coach’s tactical ideas after working under him for multiple seasons, giving them an advantage over teams still adapting to new concepts.

Barcelona have stability under Flick. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

“The players and the team are already adapted to this. The fact there is stability, that Flick is in his third year and that the players have fully absorbed the system and style of play means they start with an advantage,” Pique explained.

Do not look behind

The important thing to remember here is that Barcelona are not the ones chasing domestically. Someone else is trying to close the gap.

Irrespective of who Real Madrid sign or what they do in the transfer window, Barça continue to be the ones in pole position.

The squad under Hansi Flick are set up well for domestic dominance, and how they start the 2026-27 season could go a long way towards deciding that.