Former Barcelona captain Xavi Hernandez admits he is ‘bored by most football teams’ and cited Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid.
Now at Qatari club Al-Sadd, the former Spain international criticised teams for slow play and focus on restricting opposition sides.
“I am bored by most football teams I watch, their play is too slow,” Xavi told Catalunya Radio, as cited by Diario AS.
“Many teams now set up with just one forward and do not want to play with the ball, it is the opposite of what I am used to and how I will Coach any team.
“Football now is about closing down space and restricting the opposition, and you can see this more than anywhere with Simeone’s Atletico.
“They are really difficult to score against because they do not want the ball, they believe domination is controlling the spaces available to the opposition.
“He has convinced his players this is the only tactic they can used to compete with Barcelona and Madrid, but all the players believe it so that shows it has been a success.
“What teams do I enjoy? (Eduardo) Berizzo’s Athletic Club because of their intensity and lack of pragmatism, and I like (Quique) Setien’s Real Betis, they play with original ideas.
“Of course, I really like watching Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.”
