Barcelona boss Xavi says he is growing tired of comparisons between himself and Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola. Xavi played under the Catalan coach while he was manager at the Nou Camp and some have suggested he has tried to adapt his own version of Guardiola’s methods during his own tenure.
He guided the Spanish giants to the La Liga title this season although stumbled in Europe, bowing out of the Champions League group stages before succumbing to Manchester United in the Europa League knockout play-offs. ALSO READ: Brighton star Enciso breaks silence on City transfer links Xavi has been lauded for his defensive abilities, Barcelona so far conceding just 18 goals all season while keeping 26 clean sheets going into the final weekend.
Speaking ahead of the curtain-closer with Celta Vigo, Xavi hit back at comparisons between him and his former boss. “The figure of Guardiola is weighing me down as a coach," Xavi told Catalan outlet TV3. "I don't think it's fair [to constantly make the comparison].
It happened to me when I was a player as well. Everyone has to turn the page." Xavi was one third of the iconic Barcelona midfield trio with Andreas Iniest and Sergio Busquets that dominated domestic and European football during Guardiola’s reign.