Romeu confesses he's 'not enjoying football'

Oriol Romeu admitted on Tuesday that Sunday's draw in Bilbao against Athletic Club "made me angry" because "it was a great opportunity" that Barcelona failed to take advantage of.

The midfielder was "optimistic" about the end of the season and also stated that his team wants to stay alive in the Champions League.

For that reason, overcoming the Champions League round of 16 tie against Napoli "is very important", according to Romeu, who claimed that the 1-1 draw in the first leg is not an "ideal" result to face the return leg, but stressed that "it is good", and added that if Barca are at their best they will have "a good chance of going through".

The game against Napoli "can determine a little bit what ends up happening this season", acknowledged the Catalan midfielder, who insisted on the need to focus first on "playing a good game and finishing with a good feeling" on Friday against Mallorca.

He also said that the injuries to Frenkie de Jong and Pedri "are huge blows, because they are two very important players who give a lot to the team" and said he was "ready as always for whatever the coach needs and to step up when it's time".

On a personal level, he explained that, after a "good" start to the season, his performance dropped and he came to feel that he did not enjoy playing football as much as he did last season with Girona. And he revealed that if he has learned anything this year it is to escape "even a little more" and that he has become less aware of social networks and public opinion.

"It's important for the lads to be aware that you don't have to listen to everything that is said, because just as it puts you up there, it can end up putting you down there and make it a little more difficult to get out of a negative situation," he reflected.

Romeu remarked that he has not suffered "any kind of mental problem" and claimed that "fortunately the feelings are getting better and better", before saying that he hopes to "enjoy these last two or three months, compete and live beautiful experiences".