Barcelona coach Xavi was delighted with victory at Alaves.

Barcelona had one of their worst performances of the season on Sunday night as they faced Alaves in LaLiga Santander at the Estadio Mendizorroza, yet a late Frenkie de Jong goal ensured that they took all three points back to Catalonia.

"A win to give us some confidence, I am very happy," Xavi said. "It was crucial to win, we're in a difficult situation and results always give you reason. There are three golden points."

Xavi added that Barça have to "player better, create more and be more self-critical, but this is the path to follow," before defending his players from recent criticism.

"Confidence is low and we need to pick the players up, they've been really criticised," Xavi said. "The environment doesn't help. Jordi Alba played a great game, but also Busquets, Frenkie, who have all been criticised.

"It's not easy to play for Barça, the shirt weighs 20kg more than at other clubs and it's time to be united. The sun came out today, even just one degree, and I am really happy."