Xavi Blames the Press for Barcelona’s Recent Struggles After Alaves Win

• Xavi has blamed the press for Barcelona’s recent slump in form
• The Catalan giants struggled to beat Alaves after conceding early
• Barca are third in the La Liga table behind Real Madrid and Girona

Barcelona have faced backlash recently from the media following their recent struggles, and coach Xavi believes that criticism is starting to affect his players negatively.

The Catalans have been unconvincing in their recent matches as they struggled to a 2-1 victory against Deportivo Alaves on Sunday, coming from behind to earn the win.

According to 90MIN, Xavi has now hit out at the press after the game, detailing that their harsh criticism is taking its toll on the club’s younger players.

"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.

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"There’s a massive wave of negativity around the team that is harming us. The criticism does not affect me, it affects the players. I can see it in their faces."

Barcelona are four points off the top spot in La Liga as the Catalans currently trail league leaders Girona, who have 34 points from 13 games, while Real Madrid are second with 32 points.

Lewandowski ends goal drought

Meanwhile, Robert Lewandowski found the net twice to end a six-game scoreless streak as he helped Barcelona turn the tie against Alaves around to grind out a 2-1 victory, GOAL reports.

The 35-year-old forward had struggled in recent matches for the Catalans since returning from injury but proved he is still reliable in front of goal when needed the most after bagging a brace.

Lewandowski has taken his tally in La Liga to seven goals but the Barcelona striker still ranks behind Real Madrid's Bellingham for the Pichichi award, as the Englishman has 10 goals so far.

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Lewandowski clashes with Lamine Yamal

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Lewandowski expressing frustration with Lamine Yamal during Sunday's 2-1 victory against Alaves.

The Polish international, at times visibly frustrated during the game at Montjuic, ultimately proved pivotal by scoring two times for Barcelona.

A video has surfaced online showing Lewandowski clearly upset with Yamal after the youngster failed to pass to him inside the Alaves box.