Barca coach Xavi in ‘state of shock’ over Alves accusations

(FILES) In this file photo taken on July 7, 2019 Brazil’s Dani Alves celbrates after defeating Peru to win the Copa America football tournament at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. – After 17 years playing for the top clubs in Europe, Brazil captain Dani Alves has decided to return home, signing a three-year deal with Sao Paulo. A free agent after his contract with French champions Paris Saint-Germain expired in June, Alves explained his decision on a Twitter video posted on the club website. (Photo by Luis Acosta / AFP)

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez said Saturday that he is in “a state of shock” after Dani Alves’s arrest on sexual assault allegations.

The 39-year-old defender, sacked by his Mexican club Pumas after his arrest, is being held in custody without bail in Barcelona.

The charge of sexual assault in Spain can mean anything from unsolicited and unwanted sexual groping to rape.

While police declined to give details on the case, a source close to the investigation told AFP that Alves is accused by the woman of rape.

She reiterated her accusation before the judge on Friday, the source added.

Alves, who played for Barcelona for eight seasons between 2008-2016, rejoined the Catalans for a short spell last season under his former team-mate Xavi.

“It is hard to speak about a situation like this, first of all,” Xavi told a news conference on Saturday, the day before his team’s clash with Getafe in La Liga.

“I think like everybody, I am surprised, taken aback, I am in a state of shock, knowing Dani.

“That’s the first thing that comes to mind. And after that, because it’s a matter for the law, and the law will run its course, we cannot get into it.

“Regarding Dani, I feel bad for him, I am surprised, given how Dani is,