Barcelona president refuses bad blood between Guardiola and Xavi: “There is no issues”
In an extensive interview with SPORT, Joan Laporta emphasized that there is no animosity between current Barcelona coach Xavi and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
The president of Barcelona suggested that there are no issues between the two managers and emphasized that they are both greats of Barcelona.
“There is no conflict between them, and there is no need for me to elaborate. There are situations in which, because Barca has two distinct personalities, it appears as if you are also expressing your opinion of the other. They are two of Barcelona’s greatest players and a benchmark,” he said.
Laporta continued by stating that he does not need to serve as a mediator between Xavi and Pep because the two have always had a positive relationship.
“I’m not required to act as a mediator because they always murder the messenger. I am confident that I have communicated with both parties and that there is no issue.
Guardiola has an impressive coaching resume, while Xavi is just getting started. We want Xavi’s time at Barcelona to be memorable,” he said.
Guardiola was arguably the best coach Barcelona ever had before he eventually left the club more than a decade ago.
At the time, Xavi played under him and has since established himself as the undisputed leader of the Barca project.
And Laporta insisted he would greet Guardiola with open arms if he ever decided to return to Camp Nou.
When asked about a possible return to Barcelona, Laporta recommended speaking with Pep. We are focused on assembling a competitive team, with Xavi and his staff as coaches.
We are delighted with how they have integrated into the club and the atmosphere in the dressing room. Obviously, Pep can be whatever he wants to be at Barça.”
Xavi and Pep’s last meeting occurred almost a year ago when Barcelona locked horns with Manchester City in a charity match.
Barcelona president refuses bad blood between Guardiola and Xavi: “There is no issues”