Barcelona full-back Jordi Alba has labelled the criticism aimed at manager Ernesto Valverde in the wake of his side's Champions League exit as "a disgrace".
Barca squandered a 4-1 first-leg lead in the quarter-finals of the competition when they slumped to a 3-0 defeat at the Stadio Olimpico earlier this month, leading to speculation over the future of Valverde beyond the end of the season.
However, Alba insists that his side have still had a "very good" campaign following a week which saw them win the Copa del Rey and La Liga title to clinch the double for the eighth time in their history.
"It's a disgrace and the players need to stand up and admit that we all make mistakes. Valverde deserves this more than anyone. He has managed the dressing room perfectly," Alba told reporters.
"The Roma defeat annoyed us a lot but we've had a very good season, we have won the double. Roma was a difficult moment, but it should not erase what we have achieved in the last week.
"It has only been done eight times in Barcelona's history and we have to be very happy. Everyone would have taken it, although we know that in the Champions League we were knocked out badly. The double has been won eight times and the club was founded ages ago."
Barcelona will now turn their attention to going through the entire La Liga season unbeaten, with the first of their final four games coming against bitter rivals Real Madrid on Sunday.
Barney Corkhill
