Xavi: We are not playing so well because of the media criticism. It’s a terrible exaggeration and it hurts the players

Barcelona is not having the best season. Out of the last four games, they lost two and won two with a lot of luck and after a very poor performance. Coach Xavi blames the media.

The first embarrassment came at the beginning of October. Barcelona had a tragic start to the Granada match, already trailing in the first minute, and in the 29th minute the home side increased the score to 2:0. In the end, Barcelona at least managed to equalise, but the loss was unnecessary.

At the end of October, another blow came in El Clásico. Barcelona entered the match well, Ilkay Gündogan opened the scoring in the sixth minute and the Blaugranas were more active, but in the second half they completely stopped playing, letting in two goals from Jud Bellingham and lost 1: 2.

A tough game in San Sebastian followed. Real Sociedad pressed Barcelona, only to squander their big chances. The Blaugranas had their only chance in stoppage time and Araujo scored the winner.

But the poor performances continued and this time without result. Barcelona failed to beat Shakhtar in the Champions League, which Xavi called the worst performance since he joined the club.

The Spanish media logically did not leave a dry thread on Barcelona and criticized them for the shameful performance. When a response was expected at the weekend against Alaves, the game did not come again.

The visiting Deportivo took the lead in the first minute, and could have been 3-0 up if Omorodin had converted his two own goals.

Media criticism

A sluggish Barcelona only recovered in the second half when Lewandowski equalised with a header and the Polish marksman then turned the score around from a penalty.

Gamewise, however, the Culés were again unconvinced and these questions were logically faced by Xavi at the press conference.

“The media is exaggerating. Criticism of the media hurts the players and that’s why we don’t play so well,” said Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández at the press conference.

At the moment, the national break is a good opportunity to pick themselves up. “I’m sure we will pick ourselves up. This team has already done great things. We have to keep doing that. We are calm,” Xavi added.

Source: FC Barcelona, Diario AS