Xavi: Mou helped, but now…

Xavi Hernandez has discussed his past relationship with Jose Mourinho, explaining how their ideas on football diverged after working together.

Mourinho was an assistant at Barcelona prior to setting out on his own and proved a contentious figure when returning to Spain with Real Madrid, ushering in a time of bad blood between La Blaugrana and Los Blancos.

“I disagree with his philosophy, wanting to win no matter what, but I respect him anyway,” the veteran told Marca.

“He helped us for the three years he was with us. We spoke the same language then, we thought the same things.

“He came to Barca B and worked with the Barca philosophy. Now he sees it another way, where winning is above everything else.

“That’s not how we see it. We start with how. I can’t understand football a different way. But I respect Mou. We greet each other at the Balon d’Or.”

Tags Chelsea Jose Mourinho Xavi Hernandez
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