Gerard Pique defends Barcelona teammate after whistles from supporters

Barcelona star Gerard Pique has responded to the supporters who gave Sergi Roberto a negative reception during the club's defeat to Bayern Munich on Tuesday.

The Catalan giants began their first UEFA Champions League campaign post the Lionel Messi era with a 3-0 defeat to the Bundesliga champions.

Blaugrana supporters at the Camp Nou expressed their displeasure during the game, with some fans whistling at Roberto, who was seemingly less than impressive on the night.

"He's a spectacular person and he loves the club like no other. I'd like to remind people that he's not a winger, he's a midfielder.

"He makes the sacrifice of adapting to that position. I'm sorry for the whistles but people are free to express."

Pique, however, is still convinced Barcelona will compete for silverware despite the heavy defeat in front of their own fans.

"We are not among the favourites but still nothing happens, look at Chelsea last season," he added.

"This game teaches us that Bayern are superior, but very young players have come out who must be the future of this club. We are Barcelona and I am sure that we will end up competing."

10. Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich) – £348 000 a week before tax

9. David de Gea (Manchester United) – £372 000 a week before tax

8. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) – £382 000 a week before tax

7. Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) – £382 000 a week before tax

6. Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain) – £408 000 a week before tax

5. Gareth Bale (Real Madrid) – £497 000 a week before tax

4. Luis Suarez (Atletico Madrid) – £571 000 a week before tax

3. Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid) – £594 000 a week before tax

2. Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain) – £602 000 a week before tax

1. Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain) – £940 000 a week before tax