Barcelona’s assistant boss Jordi Roura says the recent criticism of the Catalans has been strong after they stunned AC Milan 4-0 to progress to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League.
Barca had lost the first leg 2-0 and had also been beaten twice by Real Madrid in recent weeks, prompting some criticism of the Spanish leaders.
However, Lionel Messi was in stellar form with a first-half double, while goals from David Villa and Jordi Alba sealed the deal.
“The criticism lately has been too strong. For that reason we have to be doubly proud of the players who showed their commitment and intensity here,” Roura said.
“Their efforts are incomparable. The important thing was how we reacted to [previous] defeats. With everything this team have won in the past their ambition and desire are still intact.”
He added: “It was an incredible game. We went into it with a very difficult result from the first leg.
“These players have shown once again that they are very special. They put in a great work-rate, they showed real dedication.
“I am very proud of them. We went for the win from the off but we also had a stroke of luck when Milan hit the post.”