Barcelona defender Gerard Pique insists president Joan Laporta is close to the players.

Pique says the squad understands the financial cuts Laporta is making given the state of the club's debts.

He said on a Twitch stream: "I have more feeling with Laporta than with (Josep Maria) Bartomeu. Several players feel cheated by Bartomeu. With Joan there is more negotiation.

"He is putting order, hierarchies exist that were lacking in the past."

On Lionel Messi's departure for PSG, Pique also said: "Messi was a blow that was not expected.

"I have known him since I was 13 years old and he has made us all better. You have to accept it, because it is reality. You have to try to take a step forward to be able to remain competitive.

"I wish him luck and see what we can do both in LaLiga and in the Champions League."