Guardiola accepts fan criticism

Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola says the club’s supporters have every right to complain about his side’s form.

Last season’s La Liga and Champions League winners trail Real Madrid by seven points in the league.

Barca could only draw 0-0 at Villarreal on Saturday, making their task of winning this season’s La Liga even harder.

“The fans have a right to be critical because they expect us always to win,” Guardiola said.

“So we have to play better and we have to win and when that doesn’t happen then that is it. I am not here to go against all your opinions. Nor those of the fans.”

“They have the right to be unhappy because in the league away from home we have not won enough points to be champions. Clearly they have a right to complain.”

Guardiola is hoping his team bounce back from their recent disappointment with victory against Valencia in the first-leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final on Wednesday.

But the manager knows his side will face a stern test from Unai Emery’s men.

“Every time we have played Valencia over the last four years, Valencia have always been an awesome team,” Guardiola said.

“They’re strong in all the positions. For us it’s a huge test to compete every time you compete against them. Tomorrow (Wednesday) will not be an exception.”

The likes of Pedro, Ibrahim Afellay, Andres Iniesta and David Villa are all sidelined with injury, making Barcelona’s task of making the Copa del Rey final even harder.