Former Barcelona manager sympathises with Xavi after sacking

As the dust begins to settle, the news of Xavi’s sacking is gradually fading, especially with Hansi Flick officially named as the club legend’s successor.

However, the decision sent shockwaves through the football world and continues to spark intense debate among fans and pundits alike.

After all, Xavi was initially urged to stay put, only to then abruptly get the axe after a brutally honest press conference that turned out to be the nail in the coffin.

Louis van Gaal opens up about Xavi’s exit

With many questioning the timing and fairness of the move, given Xavi’s contributions, former Netherlands and Barcelona manager Louis van Gaal was been asked to share his thoughts on Xavi’s dismissal.

Van Gaal claimed that managing big clubs compels you to continuously win games, but he personally disagreed with this notion.

“You are forced to win. These types of clubs are like that. Maybe it’s good, but I don’t think so,” he said via SPORT.

Xavi was sacked by Barcelona. (Photo by JORGE GUERRERO/AFP via Getty Images)

The former Barça coach referenced Robson’s experience to illustrate that Barcelona can sometimes be an unpredictable club.

“At Barcelona, you have to get good results. In my first two years, I won the championship. In the third, I reached the semifinals of the Champions League, but it was not enough.

“You are bound to win. These types of clubs are like that. Maybe it’s good, but I don’t think so. Bobby Robson himself had a successful year and changed roles within the club. This was not logical either,” he argued.

Finally praising Sir Bobby Robson, Van Gaal professed that he was an exceptional person and a master of his craft.

“I was his successor on the Barça bench. He could have been angry with me when he was relocated as technical secretary, but he offered me his help and stood by me.

“He was a fantastic man, very hardworking. I’m not saying it because he’s no longer here, but because I really think about it,” he concluded.