Barcelona midfielder Arda Turan has hit out at critics of Luis Enrique's struggling side, and has promised the tough times the Catalans have experienced recently will only make them stronger.
Barcelona fell back to the pack after a 2-1 home defeat to Valencia -- their third straight La Liga loss -- on Sunday, pulling them even on points with Atletico Madrid, who'd knocked the defending league and Champions League champions out of Europe at midweek.
The Blaugrana led Diego Simeone's side at the top by nine points three weeks ago, but now have only head-to-head superiority to separate them from their hard-charging Madrid rivals, and a just single point between Barca and third-placed Real Madrid.
Posting on his Instagram account on Monday, the 29-year-old former Atleti midfielder sent a cryptic message to those doubting the club, and vowed he and his teammates would not give up on the season.
A photo posted by Arda Turan (@ardaturan) on
Turan's post read: "This is when you see everyones true intentions, this is when the mask drops. But times like this only strengthen us now we can get rid of the rotten apples and return stronger. We will never give up, it is not in my nature to give up and I will give everything to win all the trophies we are competing in. I am proud to be wearing the Barcelona shirt."
Barcelona technical secretary Robert Fernandez echoed Turan's resolve, telling Barca TV the team was angry over Sunday's loss but are excited about the road ahead.
Fernandez said: "The team was very upset last night, especially because of the way they lost.
"Professionals are always looking in the mirror and they know they must improve, but no one said it would be easy and everyone is convinced they can win five games.
"We have to be very proud of the team's effort despite Sunday's defeat against Valencia. They have to win and that conditions your play. We are very excited for the home stretch of La Liga.
"People reacted positively [against Valencia] and we really appreciate it, especially in such difficult times.
"I remember when we were down 1-0 to Atletico [in the Champions League quarterfinal first-leg, which Barca won 2-1] and the fans were able to help us in a very difficult time.
"It was a blow [to go out of the Champions League] because everyone was very excited, but we have La Liga and the Copa del Rey."