Xavi slammed the media after the 2-1 victory over Alaves, as Barca came from behind to win the game.

Xavi claims that the media have been unfair to his team, and puts his side under pressure, with talks of crisis at the club following the defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk in midweek.

“When I talk about what surrounds Barca, I don’t say it for the fans, I say it because of the press,” Xavi said after the 2-1 win against Alaves.

“It’s the criticism from the press that affects the players and that’s why we don’t play very well. At half time [against Alaves], I told them to calm down.

“I have no doubt that the criticism from the press affects the team. It happened to me as a player, and I see it now too. There is a negative atmosphere that harms us. Everything that is said in the press affects the players.”