Former Barcelona director Toni Freixa is critical of Gerard Pique over his recent public comments.

Freixa doesn't think important figures like Pique should be sending messages such as "this is what it is" when discussing the situation of the squad, as the centre-back did last week.

"The message of 'this is what it is' wasn't very intelligent and I'm against that idea," Freixa said on Radio MARCA.

The presidential candidate went on to defend Koeman, who is under mounting pressure.

"I am always on the coach's side," he said.

"We've only had four rounds of the league season and we're asking if Koeman should stay or go.

"He can't work comfortably if there is all this external and internal noise."