FC Barcelona’s Xavi Attacks Real Madrid: ‘Competition Is Adulterated’

FC Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez attacked Real Madrid TV for “conditioning” referees in Spain and claimed that football competition in the country is “adulterated” during a pre-match press conference on Friday.

Xavi was speaking ahead of his team’s away trip to Alaves at the weekend, and was asked for his thoughts on a perception that the Catalans’ eternal enemies Madrid puts pressure on the match officials through its TV channel.

Xavi said he didn’t like the practice, and though he conceded the ‘Caso Negreira’ scandal hasn’t helped matters either, he stressed that this is “what we have to compete with”.

“I agree 100 per cent with the President’s words. It’s a reality and we can’t fool the Barca fans,” Xavi added, in a nod to Joan Laporta previously telling Mundo Deportivo that competitions in Spain such as La Liga are “adulterated”.

“‘I’m not the president of the federation or the president of La Liga. [But] I am very surprised that we accept all this. They completely adulterate the competition, week after week. A blind man can see it. [Atletico Marid manager Diego] ‘Cholo’ Simeone said that we are not fools. Of course we see it, everyone sees it. But it’s up to the media to say it,” Xavi vented.

Fielding various questions regarding his decision to resign on June 30, Xavi noted how “outside of Spain, they value our work very much” when it comes to head coaches.

“The real football people, the professionals, [and] all the coaches, congratulate us as staff. Imanol [Alguacil], [Jagoba] Arrasate, Marcelino… But it’s not valued here. This is my feeling.

“I think we’ve done a good job and I’m still hopeful of doing a better job between now and the end of the season. Outside of Spain, people don’t have to explain a lot of things. I thank Imanol for his words,” Xavi said.

At the end of his press conference, Xavi then reiterated: “I’m leaving because it’s been two-and-a-half years and I think the process of being Barca coach doesn’t pay off.”

“You fight against a lot of things and that causes wear and tear. I don’t think you enjoy the day-to-day and I’ve seen it in coaches [the club has] had, who have suffered even winning.

“At another club it does pay off. Arrasate told me that from Monday to Friday he enjoys himself. That’s the big difference. In other countries, the profession is sure to be enjoyed. That’s what I told the president and that’s what I’m saying here.

“I have always been honest and I have the impression that on June 30 there has to be a change of course,” Xavi concluded.