Barcelona captain Sergi Roberto said he heard his team being whistled by fans during Wednesday’s clash with Almeria and understand supporters aren’t always happy with the players.
Xavi’s side struggled past La Liga’s bottom side 3-2 at Montjuic but the home fans vocally showed their frustration at yet another poor performance from the defending La Liga champions.
Here’s what Roberto made of it all after the final whistle.
“I heard the whistles from the crowd but when we needed the support they were there for us,” he said.
“We understand the fans aren’t always happy with us but we need to be more united than ever. It was vital to get three points today, we couldn’t let the gap get any bigger. We need the fans more than ever, we need to stick together.”
Roberto ended up scoring twice to help Barcelona secure a vital three points and said that the result was all that mattered for the hosts.
“In the end you just need the win, get the three points, we would have preferred a calmer game, dominating things, but at these kinds of moments you just need to get the points however you can. It’s my first time scoring two goals, I’m delighted to help the team,” he added.
“The positive thing is we are creating chances. It would be more serious if we weren’t. With the quality we have up front I’m sure the goals will come. We need to keep going, we are going on holiday and the rest is vital. We need to disconnect and come back with our batteries recharged and I’m sure we’ll take our chances and the goals will go in.”
Barcelona now head off to Dallas for a friendly with Club America before getting a break over the Christmas period. Hopefully the rest will bring some respite and the players can get back on track in 2024.