Barcelona

Jordi Alba says Barcelona were “robbed” in LaLiga title race

The Inter Miami left back revisits controversial title battle, reflects on refereeing, and opens up on key moments from his career with Barça.

Fran Santiago

Daniel L. Peinado Roddy Cons

Update: Jun 3rd, 2026 05:22 EDT

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Jordi Alba has revisited the key turning points of his career in a wide-ranging interview on the “El Camino de Mario” podcast, hosted by former Atlético Madrid midfielder turned TV analyst. Mario Suárez. The former Barcelona defender, now with Inter Miami, credited Unai Emery for transforming him from a winger into one of the best left backs of his generation.

Emery’s role in his transformation

“The career I’ve had is thanks to Emery,” Alba said. “I used to play as a winger, and it was Unai who converted me into a full back. At first, I didn’t take it well playing there. Emery is top class. Every team he’s managed, he gets the best out of his players.”

Choosing Barcelona over Chelsea

Alba also revealed how close he came to moving to the Premier League before joining Barcelona.

“The day before the European Championship final, I signed my contract with Barça,” he said. “Chelsea also wanted me, but my priority was always Barcelona.”

Jordi Alba says Barcelona were “robbed” in LaLiga title race — Jordi Alba spent 11 years with Barcelona between 2012 and 2023. Soccrates Images

“We were robbed” in La Liga title race

With a smile, Alba revisited the LaLiga title race won in 2014 by Atlético Madrid at Barcelona’s expense, and did not hold back in his criticism of the officiating.

“Robbed,” he said. “Mateu Lahoz was the referee, right? Oh my… he sent me off twice.”

High praise for Luis Enrique

Alba was equally outspoken in his praise for former Barcelona and Spain coach Luis Enrique.

“He is the best,” Alba said. “He gets everyone pulling in the same direction, those who play and those who don’t. That’s the hardest thing. You’re happy for your teammate and for the team. Not everyone can do that. He’s a genius in that sense.”

“He is incredible in managing the group. He’s close to the players but demands maximum effort. If you don’t do what he says, someone else will play. Names don’t matter, or what you’ve done in soccer.”

Liverpool heartbreak and “worst night”

One image that has followed Alba for years is the suggestion he was in tears at halftime during Barcelona’s famous 2019 Champions League collapse against Liverpool. He pushed back on that narrative.

“That was the worst night, at Liverpool,” he said. “That image they published, I wasn’t crying at halftime, I felt unwell. I made a mistake on their first goal. We were 3-0 up from the first leg, we couldn’t let it slip.”

“After we were eliminated in Liverpool, I took a long time to leave the house. It was a very difficult time for the club and for me.”

Covid-19 salary controversy

Alba also addressed Barcelona’s financial crisis during the covid-19 pandemic and the role of senior players.

“The captains deferred our salaries and voluntarily stopped getting paid,” he said. “A lot of false stories were leaked to hurt us. It seemed like we were being blamed for the club’s problems.”

Sudden exit and move to Inter Miami

His departure from Barcelona came abruptly, he explained, with little time to prepare.

“There was one day left in the transfer window and I was told I had to go on loan to Inter Miami,” Alba said. “No warning, with my kids already enrolled in school. It was a tough moment.”

“I terminated my contract with Barça without having anything lined up. I went on holiday with Busquets, and he already knew he was going to Inter Miami. In Ibiza I met Jorge Mas, the club’s owner, and he convinced me quickly. At that point, we still didn’t know anything about Messi.”

Messi vs. Lamine Yamal

Finally, Alba weighed in on comparisons between Lionel Messi and rising Barcelona star Lamine Yamal.

“Lamine is having a great career, but you can’t compare anyone to Messi,” he said. “He’s the best in history. What stands out about Messi is that he’s never compared himself to anyone.”

“That said, Lamine is spectacular.”