Former Real Madrid star Guti recently shared his thoughts on Barcelona’s manager, Xavi Hernandez, stating that he believes Xavi was never prepared for the significant responsibilities at Camp Nou.
As you may recall, Xavi has announced his departure from Barcelona at the end of the season, citing dissatisfaction with his treatment and expressing frustration over his team’s struggles, including contentious refereeing decisions.
During an interview with El Chiringuito, Guti expressed his viewpoint, highlighting that although Xavi had a talented squad at his disposal, he felt the team’s performance did not match their potential. Guti emphasized the disappointing outcome of the situation, stating, “With Xavi I am left with little. By having a great squad and getting little from their players. That’s the reality.
“Xavi’s style is what he had in his head when he was a player and the players he had next to him, it is practically impossible for that to be repeated. And he has not known how to combine all the virtues that his players have, which they have a lot, in what he wanted on the field. And he hasn’t been able to fit it in.
“The great coach is the one who adapts to the players he has.
“Xavi Hernández was not prepared to come to Barcelona. He thought that everything was going to be very easy, and no.
“When you get your license in Qatar and train in a match in which 300 people are there… It’s not the same as sitting on the Barcelona bench. This is like that. It’s reality.
“There are people who are more prepared and others who are not so prepared and who have to go to other teams to prepare and be able to be in a big club. This is like that and nothing happens. Xavi or any other coach.
“For me, Xavi Hernández was a good coach for Barcelona… and he is a good coach for any team.
“I think Xavi Hernández wants to cover up everything he is not doing on the field with his team with these types of comments (about referees).
“I think it’s easier for him. Assuming that Barcelona doesn’t play well or isn’t at the level he wants is harder for him than saying ‘the referees favour Real Madrid’.
“I am one of those who think that in 38 rounds the referees are going to benefit you in some and harm you in another.
“I don’t think there is a black hand against Real Madrid, Barcelona or any other team. But when it happens and it hurts you, it’s easy to talk.
“When they benefit you, I have never seen a coach say ‘today they benefited me, we shouldn’t have won these three points’. Those are the referee’s decisions. This is how it is.”