Neymar's Olympic exploits with Brazil justify his break from Barcelona action, says Gerard Pique

Neymar captained Brazil to a gold medal at the Rio Games and isn’t expected back in Catalonia until September, but Pique feels the forward deserves the time off.

“He’s proven to be one of the best; to score the decisive penalty wasn’t easy because there was a lot of pressure to win, although he’s used to that,” Pique said.

“He’s earned this holiday and this break because it’s been very hard and he’ll be back after more appearances for his country. It’s a very good decision.”

Pique also reflected on the first round of the new La Liga season, which saw wins for Barca and Real Madrid.

“Madrid winning was logical, but I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of goals [Barca] scored,” the centre-back said.

And Pique also gave his views on summer signing Samuel Umtiti, before previewing his team’s next game – away at Athletic Bilbao.

“Umtiti is very level, he’s young and he’s stepped forward,” Pique said. “There are a lot of good players at centre-back and, knowing the coach, the four will play throughout the season. We were unlucky to concede two goals.

“Athletic? It’s another game. The league has just begun and we’ll go to win as always. I saw Athletic against Sporting Gijon and they lacked a bit, but so do we. Nobody is 100 percent now.”

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