Barcelona legend Xavi has angered Real Madrid fans and players by claiming that Real Madrid played like a small team in their 2-1 Clasico triumph over Barcelona. The former Spain international was not impressed with Madrid’s performance and said that “big teams have to stick to their style”
Zidane opted a cautious approach which worked out well as Madrid came from behind to grab the win thanks to goals from Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo. However, their style did not please Xavi.
"Real Madrid played like a small team in the Clasico at Camp Nou," Xavi told beIN SPORTS.
"A big team like Barcelona should not be playing like Atletico Madrid. Big teams like Barcelona and Madrid should always stick to their own style. You cannot start playing like Atletico.
"[Atletico coach Diego] Simeone perfectly sets his team up to counter their opponents' strengths, but I don't like to see teams who shut up shop at the back.
"Barcelona fans would not understand it if they were to change their style of play. They are used to it that Barcelona are in charge and create 15 to 20 chances per game. Barcelona's style is non-negotiable."
Xavi reveals dream of managing Barcelona
Xavi has admitted that he would like to one day manage the Catalan outfit he once called home. The 36-year-old, who made 750 appearances for Barcelona and won 25 trophies, was widely considered to be the best playmaker in the world during his time at the Nou Camp.
Now playing for Qatari side Al Sadd, Xavi told FourFourTwo that he would love to manage Barcelona in the future, something we’re sure all Barcelona fans would love to see.
“I have no doubts, I want to stay in football being close to the pitch, I would hate being stuck in an office,” he said.
“I want to do something properly or not at all. My ultimate objective is to coach Barcelona, I’m not hiding that. I want to work again for that house I consider home. Whenever I have 10 minutes to myself, bang, the football goes on the tv.
“My wife knows that and she hates football, I’ll put on La Liga and keep an eye on the Premier League games too, I’ll study the line-ups and who’s scored on my phone”.
As Luis Enrique continues to dominate with Barcelona, we’re not sure Xavi will be taking over the Catalan outfit anytime soon, but when his time comes, and we’re sure it will, we imagine the club would benefit greatly from the knowledge of the midfield maestro.
