LaLiga: Let The Criticism Motivate You, Barcelona boss Xavi Challenge Felix

LaLiga: Let The Criticism Motivate You, Barcelona boss Xavi Challenge Felix

Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has challenged Joao Felix to use the criticism he has received from his former Atletico Madrid teammates as motivation when the two teams meet in La Liga this Sunday.

The Portuguese forward, who is on loan at Barcelona from Atletico, has faced scrutiny from the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Saul Niguez, who have questioned his consistency and commitment.

Simeone has also declined to comment on Felix, preferring to focus on his current squad.

“(The criticism) should be extra motivation against Atletico,” Xavi told reporters Saturday.

“I see he is motivated and happy, he is being consistent, I am happy with his performance and how he has adapted to the group.”

After a promising start to the season, Barcelona’s on-loan signing Joao Felix has struggled to find his form in recent weeks.

The former Atletico Madrid player’s last goal came in a match against Porto in the Champions League.

However, Xavi is confident that Felix can turn things around and use the criticism as motivation to perform well against his former club on Sunday.

The Barcelona manager is hoping for a positive result that will help to restore the team’s confidence and momentum.

“We have to find our game, the second half against Porto was very good … we have to be more consistent,” said the coach.

“We can’t say we’re in our best moment of the season, (but) we have had some very good minutes.”