Spain and Barcelona midfielder has launched a scathing attack on Jose Mourinho over his treatment of goalkeeper Iker Casillas during the final months of the Portuguese manager’s time in charge at Real Madrid.
The keeper was dropped from the team in January in favour of Diego Lopez and didn’t feature for Madrid again for the rest of the season.
In a final show of defiance before he left the Spanish capital, Mourinho left Casillas out of the match day squad altogether for the final La Liga fixture – even when Lopez was injured.
The new Chelsea manager also said in an interview that his biggest regret during his time in charge of Los Blancos was not signing Lopez in his first season in charge.
Following his departure, Xavi has now broken his silence over the treatment of his international team-mate.
Speaking to Marca, he stated: It’s not the fact that he hasn’t played that’s the problem – the worst thing is the comments. He hasn’t been shown the respect he deserves.
“How can Mourinho say that his mistake was not signing a new goalkeeper two years earlier?
“I guess he doesn’t remember but Iker won them the Copa del Rey in Valencia with three amazing saves.”
