The Barcelona veteran has faced widespread criticism for his recent performances.
Barcelona’s recent struggle for form has brought several of their players under fire in recent weeks. Jordi Alba is the latest player who has received widespread criticism from Barca fans.
Alba especially came under fire after his poor performance in Barca’s Copa del Rey defeat against Athletic Bilbao. However, the veteran defender says he can handle the pressure of playing at Camp Nou.
“I have felt singled out for many years, it is not the first time it has happened to me,” Alba told Movistar+ (via Goal). “I accept the criticism that there is in this circus. Criticism will always be there, I have assumed it.
“If I play a good game they won’t talk about me, if I don’t play well like the other day, I admit it, they will kill me. I have accepted it.“
He added: “I don’t care because I have respect from my teammates and from all the coaching staff I’ve had. It seems that there are only veterans in Barcelona. There has been talk of veterans for four or five years, and I was 28, damn it. But I’ve always accepted it.”
In a post-match interview after Barcelona’s 1-0 win over Alaves, manager Xavi Hernandes backed his former teammate, saying:
“Alba was criticised and he played a great game today. Just like Busi, Pique and Frenkie. At Barca, the shirt weighs 20 kilos more than at another club.”
Alba and co will return to action in a crunch La Liga game against Atletico Madrid on February 6.
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