Piqué on today's journalism: "Immediacy comes before research these days"
Gerard Piqué spoke to Panenka magazine about journalism in the digital age: "I could never give an interview again and nothing would happen" Barcelona-Alaves live
Times are changing
Gerard Piqué was the cover star of this month's Panenka magazine in which the Barcelona centre-back gave his thoughts on journalism in the digital age in which he states players are protected by their clubs, which has led to greater distance between the media and footballers. “I could never give an interview again and nothing would happen”, Piqué explained. “Players are gaining more and more power and use the press less than they did before. Some of us have more followers on social media than the most-read sports newspapers in Spain”.
Self protection
Barça's relationship with the press: "I understand why Barça protect themselves and the players, you have to cut off the bad, sensationalist press at the root".
The national team: "I thought that by announcing my retirement, the encouragement would die down, but I think it's going to be difficult for me to go back on my decision".
Emphasis on breaking stories
The downsides of modern-day press: “Now, immediacy comes before thorough research and cross-checking information. There is always someone who wants to be the first to break a news story before checking its validity”.
The players' relationship with the press: “All we, the players need, is to feel a little loved. And that's is why I can sympathise when some players don't want to speak to the press"
President's role
Barça presidency and the media: "I don't think that club presidents have to be elected just because they get good press. At the end of the day, presidents have to do their job which means trying to do the best for Barça and achieve the highest success but without forfeiting the philosophy of the club. I understand that it's a dificult position because you cannot reply to each and every club member - and that is especially the case at a club like Barcelona which, historically, the supporters have been divided, more so since the Laporta era. We have to look for what is best for the club. And lately, I think we have been lucky on that score".
Messi: "Everyone has their own strategy; I don't see how you can get to know someone like Leo through what is written in the press. Obviously Leo is who he is, he's the best player in the world and for many, the best in the history of the game, and you can understand why he prefers to protect himself because he has already been attacked by several sections of the media. I can perfectly understand why he has his own armour to protect and control all of the information which comes out about him".
The players' position: "I think we are now in a position where the players have a lot of power. I can assure you of that".