Barcelona centre-back Gerard Pique has defended his side's style of play under new coach Gerardo Martino.

The Argentine tactician has been criticised for imposing a more 'direct' approach to matches since being appointed as the club's coach in the summer.

"When a game or circumstances require it, you have to be practical," Pique told Barca TV. "I know the people want us to play well and score lots of goals, but that's not always possible.

"Historically these are the kind of games Barca [against Espanyol] didn't win, and that cost us titles and leagues.

"It's because this is such a huge club where people question things, and what they're questioning at the moment is the way the team plays."

Pique added that Barcelona need to be "intelligent" and "practical" to win trophies this campaign.

"There are only about 15 really good games a year," he said. "There are days when tiredness tells more than others, and it's hard for the team.

"We have to keep intelligent. We're very practical. Perhaps we haven't played very, very well, but the results have still been very good."

Barcelona are currently four points clear at the top of La Liga.