I have felt singled out for many years in this Barcelona ‘circus’ – Alba slams critics

Barcelona defender Jordi Alba has slammed critics he believes single him out in the “circus” that follows the team.

Alba expressed his frustration, following Barca’s 1-0 win over Alaves on Sunday, but added that he could handle the pressure that comes with playing at the Nou Camp.

“I have felt singled out for many years, it is not the first time it has happened to me,” Alba told Movistar+. “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.

“I don’t care because I have respect from my team-mates 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.”

Manager Xavi, who was once Alba’s team-mate, expressed sympathy for the player, 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.”

Barcelona are 5th in La Liga – a point behind Atletico Madrid and will continue their push for a top-four place when league action resumes in February.