Gerardo Martino admits morale is low

Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino has admitted that the morale of the squad is extremely low following a disastrous run of results.

The Catalan outfit have fallen seven points off the pace set by Atletico Madrid in La Liga, while they were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Champions League by Atletico earlier this month.

Last week's Copa del Rey final defeat to Real Madrid, meanwhile, has left the Spanish champions facing the prospect of missing out on silverware this season.

"We have all felt the blow of what has happened over the last week," Inside Spanish Football quotes the Argentine as telling reporters.

"There have been blows in three matches and we feel that. We're not giving anything up though, because those above us could slip up and it's our obligation to keep competing until the end.

"It's hard to lift the morale of the squad, because they've taken severe blows that they're not used to taking. It's not just a formality or the results, these blows hurt, they cause disappointment and we must make a huge effort to draw strength and keep trying in the remaining games."

Barca return to league action at home to Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.