Gerard Pique admitted that Barcelona were still scarred by Roma's comeback in last season's Champions League during their loss to Liverpool in this year's competition.

"I think people were mentally affected by what happened in Rome because it had happened so recently. It was a mental block. They pressed very high, we lacked our usual passing rhythm, and it was very intense. Anfield also played its role. It's been hard to lift ourselves up emotionally because the days passed but the loss wasn't forgotten. We have to step forward," said Pique.

Pique backed Ernesto Valverde as the right manager to take Barcelona forward.

"Catalans are very demanding and we like to do things perfectly. It's not winning, but how you win. Pep Guardiola's time [in charge] is very recent, which was the best time to play football here. The debate will continue whoever the coach is, but I can assure you that Valverdewants to play the same style. I'm in the dressing room and I know what he tells us to do."