Pep silent over Pique suspension

Posted Thursday, December 01, 2011 by ESPN

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola refused to comment on the yellow card Gerard Pique picked up in Tuesday evening's 4-0 win over Rayo Vallecano.

Barca coasted to victory on an Alexis Sanchez brace, and further strikes by David Villa and Lionel Messi, but plenty of talk was surrounded on the caution Pique picked up for time-wasting.

The yellow card against Rayo, Pique's fifth of the season, means he will miss their next game against Levante on Saturday, but will definitely to take part in the highly-anticipated encounter with La Liga leaders Real Madrid on December 10.

After the match, Guardiola refused to comment on the incident, stating he was not in the position to comment on refereeing decisions.

"The images show what they show and everyone saw them," Guardiola said at his post-match press conference.

"I do not comment on the referee's decisions. I did not do it with the penalties against Valencia, or the offside against Getafe."

One area of the game Guardiola was willing to talk about was the spirit Rayo showed despite the 4-0 thumping, and has backed them to stave off relegation.

"I would like to congratulate Rayo, who had a good match. They did things well and it was hard for us to beat them.

"It is impossible for them not to remain in La Liga with this ambition.

"They are a brave team. I would bet that they will stay in La Liga."

Guardiola also went on to downplay rumours of a rift between him and striker David Villa, and went on to praise the Spain international for his performances against Rayo.

"David Villa moves well in these positions. His team-mates have to find him.

"He is very important to us and he does not stop moving. Without him, things would be harder.
"Sometimes, the ball does not get to him, but he is tireless."

Barcelona are next in action on Saturday when they host Levante.