Luis Enrique Barcelona Real Madrid La LigaGetty

'We came from absolute s*** to win a treble!' - Pique in impassioned defence of Luis Enrique

Barcelona centre-back Gerard Pique has offered his backing to under-fire boss Luis Enrique, praising him for helping the club win the treble in 2015.

The former captain replaced Tata Martino as coach back in May 2014, steering the club to an incredible La Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey treble in his first season.

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He would go on to guide the Catalans to European Super Cup and Club World Cup successes, while Barca defended their league and domestic cup crowns in 2016.

It hasn't quite gone to plan for Luis Enrique in the 2016-17 season, however, with his side trailing Real Madrid in the title race and thumped 4-0 by PSG in the Champions League last week.

But Pique has jumped to the defence of his manager, insisting that his critics should look back at what he's achieved during his time in charge of the club.

He told reporters: "When Luis Enrique arrived, we came from absolute s*** and we won the treble with him. I would like us to look back and see all the work the coach has done with us.

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"It is true that we are not in the best moment. For a month-and-a-half we've not been playing the football that we would like to play. But we are still alive in three competitions."

Barca travel to Atletico Madrid on Sunday as they look to keep up the pressure on current leaders Real, while they host PSG in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on March 8.

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