Two Barcelona stars have been affected by criticism following recent performances – report

Following Barcelona’s 2-1 win over Deportivo Alaves last evening, manager Xavi Hernandez lashed out at the media, claiming that the constant scrutiny and criticism from the press had been affecting the players a lot.

“When I talk about Barça’s entourage, I don’t mean the fans, I mean the press. The criticism from them affects the footballers, and they don’t play well. The criticism does not affect me, it affects the players. I can see it in their faces,” he said after the game.

“I have zero doubts that the criticism from the press is affecting the team. It happened to me as a player and I can see it now. There’s a massive wave of negativity around the team that is harming us.”

Romeu, Raphinha affected by criticism

Shedding further light on the situation, journalist Sique Rodriguez via Carrusel has reported that the swathe of criticism directed at Barcelona in light of recent performances has indeed had an effect on the squad and the staff.

As per the update, two players in particular, Oriol Romeu and Raphinha, have been badly affected by the recent criticism directed towards the team.

The update claims that Romeu, who has lost his place in the starting XI in recent weeks, is suffering from a crisis of confidence in light of the criticism directed towards him.

Meanwhile, Raphinha is also understood to have been affected by the situation and atmosphere surrounding the Blaugrana of late.

It is also stated that two members of the club’s staff have taken down their social media accounts in order to avoid reading the criticism and negative comments regarding the team.

International break arrives at a good time

With the game against Alaves being their last before the international break, Xavi & co. can now take a step back and reassess things before their next match in two weeks’ time.

It has been a tough couple of weeks for Barcelona and some time away from the constant scrutiny could be exactly what the team needs to rejuvenate and recapture their early-season form.