Andre Gomes arrived at Barcelona in the Summer of 2016, signing for 35 million euros from Valencia. Since then the midfielder has failed to settle in Catalonia and in a recent interview with football magazine Panenka spoke of the mental pressures he's been facing during recent months. Gomes has been rounded on by Barca fans for his poor performances and Gomes opened up to the magazine on his struggles:
Maybe it's not the right word to use, but it has turned into a bit of a hell, because I have started to feel more pressure. With pressure I feel fine, but with the pressure on myself, I don't. The feeling that I have during games is bad.
Things changed after my first six months and there was more pressure, which is fine but I’m too self-critical of myself. I’m a perfectionist and cannot tolerate my mistakes, it has become a hell. I cannot shake negative moments out of my head and it impacts on my performances and I am thinking too much.
My friends tell me I am going with the handbrake on. I close myself off. I don't take allow myself to get rid of the frustration I have. Then I don't talk to anybody, I don't bother anyone. It is like I feel ashamed.
It leads me to feel ashamed and sometimes I feel that I cannot leave the house due to the shame and due to people looking at me.
It's was an extremely honest interview from the 24-year-old, who has made 25 appearances for the Blaugrana this season. Gomes was booed last week when he came off the bench for Barca as they defeated title rivals Atletico Madrid to all but seal first place. Gomes' words are a stark reminder of how a high pressure situation like his can have a negative affect on daily life and perhaps a move to a club where the spotlight doesn't shine so bright is in order.
