Barcelona had a 'mediocre' season, says Toure

Barcelona's Ivorian midfielder Yaya Toure said Thursday his side have had a "mediocre" season after the Spanish giants failed to win a trophy for the second straight year.

"It was a difficult season, which I would call mediocre," the 24-year-old told a news conference one day after Barcelona were crushed 4-1 by new Spanish champions Real Madrid.

"The fans must know that we are the first ones to be disappointed," he said.

Barcelona's loss to arch rivals Real means they must now qualify for the Champions League after losing second place to Villarreal who won 2-0 against Recreativo Huelva and are now seven points clear with two games remaining.

"I went through so many emotions, especially feeling humiliated and ridiculous," Toure said of the match.

Barca actually started the season as favourites but have been far too inconsistent and reserve team coach Pep Guardiola, a former player, has been tipped by Spanish media to take over from Frank Rijkaard.

Asked about Rijkaard's future, Toure said the Dutchman "is a very good coach" but that in football "there are always cycles".