Carles Puyol has hit out at criticism of Ronaldinho's performances this season.
Barca defender unhappy with criticism of Brazilian
Carles Puyol has hit out at criticism of Ronaldinho's performances this season.
The Brazilian has had a relatively quiet start to the season and there has been some debate in the Spanish media about his fitness levels.
Ronaldinho has even been whistled at by a small proportion of Barca fans, most recently in the 2-0 victory over Almeria on Sunday.
Puyol believes that all the negative attention is beginning to affect Ronaldinho and has urged the doubters to give him another chance.
"A debate has been created where there isn't one. Ronnie is very important for us and if we want to win more trophies then we need him here," Puyol told the Spanish press.
"You cannot always play well, but he always has a good attitude and works hard and he is vital to the side.
"When people are constantly talking about these things, of course, he ends up being affected by it. He knows that he has our support and I have talked to him a lot and told him the players are on his side.
"Any team in the world would like to have Ronaldinho. We want him here and to have him is an honour."
Messi praise
Lionel Messi has been in scintillating form for Barca this season but Puyol is adamant that his rise to prominence does not mean Ronaldinho is no longer needed.
"He is having a spectacular season. He is playing very well and is creating danger and scoring goals.
"The fans and the press have put him on a pedestal, but that is not to say that Ronnie is no longer important because we now have Messi.
"We are not dependent on Messi, although he is a crucial player that is in a great run of form and we should use that.
"He is a different type of player that is always capable of winning games for us."
