Midfielder, Sergio Busquets, should not be criticised “excessively” and remains a key player for Barcelona, manager Luis Enrique says.
Busquets, 28, is having an indifferent season and his performance in Tuesday’s 3-1 Champions League defeat by Manchester City came in for criticism.
“My players aren’t machines, they can have ups and downs,” Enrique told a news conference before Sunday’s La Liga game at high-flying rivals Sevilla.
“I am very happy with him”, he said.
Spain World Cup winner Busquets has helped Barca win six La Liga titles, four Copa del Reys and three Champions League titles since making his La Liga debut in 2008.
“I publicly congratulate Sergio Busquets on his attitude and behaviour,” Enrique added.
In addition to the defeat by City, Barcelona have lost two of their first 10 La Liga games and started the weekend second in the table, two points behind leaders Real Madrid.
The Spanish champions could be five points behind rivals Real by the time they kick off against fourth-placed Sevilla.
Real are at home to lowly Leganes in the early kick-off.
“Sevilla have had a spectacular start to the season playing good football and they are very hard to beat at home,” Enrique said.
“We will have to win the battles all over the pitch.”