Xavi Says Louis Van Gaal Also Humiliated Him At Barcelona

Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez has revealed that Man United boss Louis Van Gaal used to humiliate him during the Dutchman’s tenure as boss at the Nou Camp between 1997- 2000.

In an interview with Marca, the 35-year-old who has won more trophies than any other Spanish player in history, recalls his very first La Liga title which he won under current United boss Louis Van Gaal back in 1998. It’s clear that Barcelona’s all time appearance maker won’t forget the influence the Dutchman had on the Spaniards career.

“I will remember him all my life, but for better not worse,” Xavi told Marca . “He was very direct.

Most Achieved! Andres Iniesta Equals Xavi's Trophies Record

Iniesta is now the joint-most decorated Spanish player of all time alongside Xavi Hernández, having scooped his 28th trophy in the shape of his third UEFA Super Cup.

Few would bet against this extraordinary haul being added to significantly this season, or even before the calendar year is out, with the Spanish Super Cup right around the corner and the Club World Cup to come this winter.

Iniesta made his first-team debut under Louis van Gaal's stewardship in the 2002-03 season. He spent that year and the following one combining playing with the big boys and the reserves, before fully establishing himself in the first-team set-up in 2004-05, when he made 37 appearances in Frank Rijkaard's La Liga-winning team - albeit not always as a starter. This was the first of Iniesta's trophies, but who would have thought so many would follow?

Iniesta To Equal Xavi As The Most Achieved Spanish Player If Barca Wins Uefa Super Cup Tonight

Andres Iniesta is on the verge of creating history tonight as the midfield maestro looks to join Xavi as the most successful player in Spanish history with a win over Sevilla in the Uefa Super cup in Tbilisi.

The Spanish international is on the brink of equaling Xavi’s record of most team honours. The former Barça star has won more trophies than any other Spanish player in history having picked up 28 club and international team honours throughout his career.

Andres iniesta sits on 27 titles and knows that a victory against Spanish rivals Sevilla in tonight’s Uefa Super Cup will cement his legacy alongside his friend and former colleague.

Casillas Is A Natural Leader - Xavi

Former Barcelona star Xavi has lauded "natural" leader Iker Casillas after the goalkeeper's departure from Real Madrid. Casillas ended a 25-year stay with the La Liga giants at the weekend as his move to Primeira Liga outfit Porto was confirmed.

The 162-time Spain international and Xavi clashed many times in the Clasico but also enjoyed many triumphs alongside one another with the national team.

"I have to publicly recognise that I appreciate Iker a lot, and I sincerely think that we have a strong friendship," Xavi wrote in Marca.

BARCELONA 3 EIBAR 0: Watch The Goals and Highlights

              

Messi Is The All Time Best Footballer, Iniesta Is Spain's Most Talented Footballer of All Time, Del Bosque Disappointed Me - Xavi Hernández

Spanish television channel Canal Plus had Xavi Hernández as a guest and conducted and in-depth interview with the brains of the 'Azulgranas', who gave his opinions openly on everyone related to Barcelona.

Messi: "Leo is already the best of all time. He's been the best in the world for the last eight years. I can't think of anyone like that, maybe Pelé".

Figo: "It was a shock, he was the best and he went to our eternal rivals. The equivalent now would be Messi going to Real Madrid".

Lionel Messi Can Be The World's Best Defender - Luis Enrique

Luis Enrique lavished praise on Leo Messi after his brace against Elche. "He's the best player in the world. He could even be the best defender if he wanted. We see him do incredible things day in, day out. He'll be the best for as long as he wants to be; he scores goals, sets them up and presses the opposition. He's been working magic for many years now".

Munir: "He's progressing at a dizzying rate. He gives us lots of options; he's a natural goalscorer and is a fierce competitor".

Signing Angel Di Maria From Real Madrid Will Be Difficult - Xavi

Rumours going round Spain suggests that Barcelona are trying to sin Real Madrid's unwanted star. Xavi believes Barcelona would find it difficult to prise Angel Di Maria away from Real Madrid before the end of the summer transfer window. Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti revealed on Thursday that the Argentina international wants to leave the Santiago Bernabeu, leading to speculation that the capital club's Catalan rivals could make a move for the 26-year-old winger. Nevertheless, Xavi has all but ruled out the possibility of Di Maria making the move to Camp Nou.

"He is a great player," the Barcelona skipper said at a press conference. "But fact is that he is a Real Madrid player at the moment.

Manchester United Have Made A Move For Barca's Xavi (El Mundo Deportivo)

The transfer rumours surrounding Manchester United are coming thick and fast now, despite the fact new manager Louis van Gaal is very much focused on Holland’s World Cup campaign. Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera’s move to Old Trafford looks to be imminent and United also appear to be making moves for Luke Shaw now England are out of the World Cup.

Spanish newspaper El Mundo Deportivo had another intriguing rumour today, suggesting one of Louis van Gaal’s first acts as Manchester United boss was to make a move for Spain and Barcelona legend Xavi.

After 723 Barcelona appearances and a whopping 22 trophies, Xavi will be leaving Barcelona this summer.
Having worked with Xavi at the Nou Camp, LVG was interested in bringing the midfield playmaker to Old Trafford.

BARCELONA TO XAVI: Take A Pay Cut Or Leave

Xavi Hernández's future is something that Barcelona are hoping to sort out in the coming weeks. For the moment both parties have decided to wait until after the World Cup to begin discussions to find out what they expect from each other. Luis Enrique has left the midfielder's future up in the air, explaining that it would all depend on a meeting between himself and the player. Barca is curious to cut his wages down if he is to stay.

Xavi has already said more than once that he would like to remain at the club that he has played with for his entire life, but that all depends on Luis Enrique. Xavi still has two years left on his contract, but he's got some good offers on the table, especially from Qatar, where he could earn a quick buck from the nation's petro-dollars.

Al Saad has already offered him €10 million after tax per season if he were to leave Barça to play in the Qatari league.Barcelona, meanwhile, aren't too concerned about this multi-million offer, and they wouldn't particularly mind if the midfielder left the 'Blaugranas' this summer.

IKER CASILLAS: Xavi Should Stop Condemning Me

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has told Xavi that the Barcelona midfielder should speak to him privately if he has an issue with his criticism of Sergio Busquets.

The Blancos captain said he would give Busquets "a slap" after the Catalans defensive midfielder was pictured planting his boot on Pepe's head in March's Clasico, which Barca won 4-3.

Xavi responded by saying that "Busquets never stomped on Pepe; you can see in all the images that there’s nothing to it" and criticised Madrid's Spain contingent for being "very unfair" to their international team-mate.

XAVI: Atletico Madrid Are As Good As Barcelona

Barcelona midfielder Xavi believes his side’s Champions League tie with Atletico Madrid will be even as both teams have a great chance of progressing to the semi-finals.

The two sides meet in the first-leg of their quarter-final clash at Camp Nou on Tuesday and both are in good form as they remain separated by just one point at the top of La Liga.

And Xavi feels there is nothing to separate the two sides, admitting that the Blaugrana don’t like playing against Diego Simeone’s side and praising their star striker Diego Costa.

Xavi Hernadez breaks Raul's Champions League record

Barcelona midfielder Xavi has surpassed Real Madrid legend Raul's record of Champions League wins following the Catalans' 3-1 win over AC Milan on Wednesday. He broke Raul's record of 79 wins in the Champions league. Great Xavi, congrats.......