Pep Guardiola: “Whatever happened to Xavi is not my fault”

Pep Guardiola, while appearing at the Legends Trophy golf tournament, made a series of comments relating to Barcelona.

The Catalans has notably closed the door on a potential return to Camp Nou, admitting it is something that he does not consider at the moment.

Another interaction highlight was him commenting on Xavi Hernandez’s sudden departure from Barcelona, reiterating that he had no part to play in it.

Pep Guardiola on Xavi’s departure

“Whatever happened to Xavi is not my fault,” Guardiola said (h/t Mundo Deportivo), making it very clear that he did not influence Barcelona’s board’s decision to make a sudden U-turn over Xavi.

It must be noted that Guardiola has never been accused of actually influencing the Barcelona board to sack Xavi.

Guardiola comments on Xavi’s exit from Barcelona (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP)

The Manchester City coach, who recently guided his team to a fourth successive Premier League title, said it in the context of Xavi being compared to the high standards set by Guardiola himself during Joan Laporta’s first stint at Barcelona.

Guardiola clarified that comparisons between him and Xavi were not made any of him and as such, he had no part to play in the Spaniard’s departure from Barça.

“I have not made the comparisons,” said the Catalan tactician, who also had a message for Barcelona fans over Hansi Flick.

Guardiola, who managed Xavi during his spell at Barcelona, is likely to stay in close touch with the Spaniard, who looks set for a sabbatical year before eyeing a potential move to the Premier League.

Guardiola on Flick

Pep Guardiola went on to send a message to Barcelona’s new coach, Hansi Flick, whose non-Barça background has made many feel sceptical.

Guardiola, though, backed the German tactician and urged Barcelona fans to be patient with the former Bayern Munich coach.

“I wish him the best. May they help him and give him time,” he said. “He will have to adapt to the style of the players he has.”