„Barcelona“ club legend Xavi claims that when Louis van Gaal was coaching the Catalan club, he would belittle the players, but at the same time assured them that he has no hard feelings towards the Dutchman.
The current „Manchester United“ coach has recently faced criticism after it was revealed that the atmosphere in the Manchester club's changing room is not very good, and the players feel tired of his playing style and strict training methods. However, the players' morale was somewhat lifted after last weekend's victory against „Liverpool“.
Xavi worked with L. van Gaal at the “Barcelona” club and says that he helped him improve as a player.
„I will always remember van Gaal for good reason. He was very direct“ - quotes „Marca“ Xavi.
„One day he would belittle you in front of the whole team, and the next day you would feel like Zinedine Zidane with him. I think it was good for my career.“
„With him, one day you could play at Old Trafford, and a few days later he would send you to the B team to play against „Alcoyano“. Such things don't happen nowadays.“
„When young players now play for the first team, they already think they have made it. When you are 18, you should just think about football. But once you are in the first team, you have to show everything you are capable of.“
Former teammate Victor Valdes does not have very good relations with L. van Gaal. Xavi feels confused because of this.
„I don't know what happened with Victor. Van Gaal really reached out to him and invited him over when he was recovering from injury, but then something happened. They are both strong personalities“ - said Xavi.
