November 13, (THEWILL) – T Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has criticised the Spanish press following his side’s unconvincing 2-1 victory over Deportivo Alaves on Sunday. Despite the win, secured thanks to a brace from striker Robert Lewandowski, Xavi believes media criticism is negatively impacting his squad’s performances.
Speaking after the match, Xavi insisted press negativity was affecting his players, particularly younger squad members. “There’s a massive wave of negativity around the team that is harming us,” he said. “Above all, it affects the younger ones. The criticism does not affect me, it affects the players. I can see it in their faces.”
He also suggested mistakes leading to Alaves’ opening goal highlighted growing insecurity in the side. “Gundogan lost a ball he would not normally lose and there is a transition. We can’t allow these mistakes. It is unacceptable,” he stated.
Xavi admitted his team has underperformed in several matches recently, including a “totally unacceptable” 1-0 win over Real Sociedad. He also referenced their shock UEFA Champions League defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk.
The manager is eager to shield his younger stars from excessive criticism as he looks to turn around Barcelona’s inconsistent form.
