Xavi: Real Madrid lack respect towards Barcelona

Jun 5, 2012 8:05:00 AM

The Spain international believes that the Catalans have not been given the consideration they deserve by their rivals, while voicing his surprise at Pep Guardiola's departure

SPAIN

GROUP C

HOW THEY QUALIFIED		P	PTS
	SPAIN	8	24
	CZECH REPUBLIC	8	13
	SCOTLAND	8	11
	LITHUANIA	8	5
	LIECHTENSTEIN	8	4

Tension in the Spain camp has risen just days before the start of Euro 2012 thanks to Barcelona star Xavi claiming that Real Madrid have not been sporting in defeat over the past few years.

The influential midfielder feels that the Blaugrana have always behaved respectfully towards their rivals, but feels that the Liga champions did not show the same courtesy.

"We congratulated them when they won, that is sport at the end of the day. We have been very respectful with them, however, I have noted that it wasn't the same in reverse," Xavi stated in an interview to Canal+.

The 32-year-old went on to express his surprise at the departure of Pep Guardiola as Barcelona coach at the end of the 2011-12 campaign, but added that Barca are keen to go on to win more titles under new trainer Tito Vilanova.

"I was very surprised by Pep leaving, but when he explained it all to us, you understand.

"The appointment of Tito also surprised me, mostly because of what had happened with his illness, but looking at the decision, I think it was treated in the best way possible.

"This team has to continue winning titles for a few more years, and we don't have to change the form of coaching."

Barcelona won the Spanish Supercopa, European Super Cup, Club World Cup and Copa del Rey in 2011-12.

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