Football NewsJordi Alba pulled Barcelona’s hat into the ring for the LaLiga title race
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Ronald Koeman’s side is five points behind leaders Atletico Madrid and two points behind second-placed Real Madrid in the LaLiga table.

Win over Elche helps a lot on the mental side of the players

Jordi Alba pulled Barcelona’s hat into the ring for the LaLiga title race after their 3-0 win over Elche on Wednesday. Ronald Koeman’s side is five points behind leaders Atletico Madrid and two points behind second-placed Real Madrid in the LaLiga table. “Hay Liga,” Alba said at the Camp Nou, using a famous Spanish phrase to describe whether there is a title race or not. “Some weeks we’re out of it, and a few weeks we’re in it, it seems. We know we have to be able to challenge. Other teams will drop points, including us. The win over Elche comes after two striking results against PSG and Cadiz over the past few days. It helps a lot on the mental side,” Alba admitted.

The experienced players of Koeman’s side must take responsibility

“The draw against Cadiz the other day was, to be honest, a tough blow for the whole team. If we are not 100 per cent, it is difficult for us to win. We fought the other day and in the first half today too. I think the team played better in the second half, and the goals came in.” In addition to playing against Elche, Ronald Koeman called on his more experienced players to take on more responsibility. “Those of us who have been here for a long time and have more experience have to try to make it easier for young players,” admitted Jordi Alba. “I think everyone’s hunger has always been there. Much has improved in recent years too. We must take responsibility. These are difficult times, but we must be more united than ever.”