Barcelona coach Xavi admits his players played nervously for their 2-1 win against Alaves.

Barca struggled against their less-fancied opponents, but eventually won thanks to Robert Lewandowksi's double, including one from the penalty spot.

Xavi said, "Positionally we have not been bad, it is true that we have suffered in the transitions. After the break, we have had a very good half hour. We have improved a bit, but we have to do much more. We had to show class and personality to win. Victory was very important."

On Alaves' goal in the first minute, Xavi said: "Today we had generated, to double the bet, not start behind and start at the top. To be more vertical. But Gundo loses a ball that he does not usually lose. At 18 seconds, we have to row twice as much. It is an unacceptable mistake. We gave away many things and it takes its toll on us. We have given away in Mallorca, Granada... and it can't be. It creates a situation of insecurity that is not good."

"I think we are at a low point, we are not in the best moment. But in LaLiga we have had two games that were very ugly. I told them to calm down, that they are good, that they were going to come back... they were more tense than normal due to the tension generated by the environment. This does not add up, it generates a nervousness that is not normal. They do not play liberated. In the second half, yes."

Xavi also took aim at the press.

"What the press says affects the team. Scenarios are generated that are not real and it affects. A negativity is generated that affects them. They are too affected by what is said in the environment.

"There is an exaggerated nervousness in the environment. It doesn't affect me, I don't get nervous. But the players are tense. They said that I was Barça's cancer and I am here as a coach. That's what I told them. These players deserve credit.

"I told them be calm. We have been good for half an hour, this is the way. The players needed love today."