Every loss is a 'crisis', says Barcelona's Deco

Barcelona's Portugal international Deco said Monday that every defeat for the club now becomes a new crisis.

"When we have two or three good matches, the critics are good, sometimes too good, and when we lose one, it's a crisis - we criticise the manager, some players too..," he told Barca TV, the club's television channel.

"But the criticism is normal, especially when the manager has been here a long time," said the Brazilian-born midfielder, who has been out injured for the past month.

Manager Frank Rijkaard, in place since 2003, has been the target of fierce criticism since a 2-0 away defeat by Getafe in the league this month. But away from home, they have taken just six points.

"We must be aware that in order to win the league, we must pick up points away from home," said Deco.

He added his recovery from a thigh injury he picked up during a 3-1 defeat at Villarreal on October 20, is going well.

"It's true that I've had a good start to the season," the former FC Porto star said.

"I was playing well, I felt good physically. Now I must get back and try to find the right level."

Barcelona are third in the title race, four points behind bitter rivals Real Madrid after 12 matches.