Xavi’s father reveals La Roja tension

Xavi Hernandez’s father says his son and Iker Casillas were responsible for sorting out the tension that existed in the Spain team.

A series of well-publicised bust-ups during games between Real Madrid and Barcelona over the past two seasons had spilled over into boss Vicente Del Bosque’s preparations for Euro 2012, with rival factions believed to have been formed, and Joaquim Hernandez believes that but for the conciliatory nature of son Xavi and Casillas the success of the Spanish team would not have been possible.

“Had it not been for Casillas, Xavi and Del Bosque then this team would not be where it is today,” said Joaquim in an interview with Com Radio.

“There were some very difficult moments during games against Real Madrid and players who were friends were about to lose that friendship.

“They were not just squabbles. We saw the actions of Alvaro Arbeloa, Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos and the way they acted.

“The behaviour of some of these players was not correct but luckily Iker and Xavi intervened because there were some people who wanted to destroy the national team.”

Joaquim also revealed that Madrid boss Jose Mourinho was not in favour of the two players taking matters into their own hands and that Del Bosque had intervened.

“Iker had many problems with Mourinho, which came to light as we all know, and Del Bosque had to step in, but the players never wanted to break their friendship,” he said of the close relationship between the two, before maintaining that his son needs a break.

“He appeared in 81 games last season, including friendlies and tours, and has played four years at the very highest level, so he is in need of a holiday.” 

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