Spain players Koke and Thiago Alcantara were bombarded with questions by the local media about Gerard Pique on Tuesday.

Barcelona defender Pique was barracked by Spain fans at training on Monday over his Catalonia independence stand.

Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago said: "When I've come here Pique has always had the same attitude, commitment and happiness.

“It saddens us because we come here to talk about football, I'm not here to talk about the life of anybody. It saddens me not to be able to be comfortable and talk about Albania.

“Pique's already played at the Santiago Bernabeu many times. He's used to hostile environments. He has the same attitude as always.

"I've enjoyed watching him as a player and having him as a team mate and I love to be able to keep doing so."

Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke said: "We always feel the support of the fans. Alicante loves the national team a lot and I'm sure we will feel their affection.

"The atmosphere in the dressing-room has not changed. We are focused on winning and reaching the World Cup. We're studying our opponents, it won't be easy to win but we can almost seal qualification."