Xavi surprised by Mourinho’s defensive football
Jose Mourinho: Chelsea boss worked with Xavi at Barcelona
Xavi is surprised that Jose Mourinho has become known for a “defensive” style of football after working under the Chelsea boss at Barcelona.
Mourinho worked as assistant manager to both Bobby Robson and Louis van Gaal at the Nou Camp, with Xavi rejecting suggestions he was merely a translator.
“Rubbish,” Xavi said in an exclusive interview with ESPN FC. “He was the assistant coach, someone who understood the philosophy of Barca and who shared many of the same characteristics of Van Gaal.
“He was very respected by the players. He trained us sometimes alone at Barca B and he was excellent.
“I’m surprised that he became known for another type of football, more defensive, because he wasn’t like that with us.”
Transfer News
Cost to sack Thomas Frank revealed as Tottenham make HUGE call on manager’s future
ENIC have made their postion on Frank clear amid Spurs' disastrous Premier League form, and amid reports that a big-name manager is keen to take over mid-season
Tottenham ask legend to become next manager as Thomas Frank sack plan confirmed
Tottenham have approached a legendary figure within the game to become their next permanent manager after the ultra-reliable David Ornstein confirmed it's a matter of when and not if Thomas Frank is sacked
World-leading coach strongly backed to become next permanent Man Utd manager, with Barcelona duo touted as first signings
The Barcelona icon is described as a "realistic option" to become the permanent manager of United and with a pair of stars from the LaLiga giants tipped to become his first signings at Old Trafford
Elite name emerges as top Chelsea contender to replace Enzo Maresca as maverick option also in running
Maresca's job is coming under increasing scrutiny following fan reaction to Tuesday night's home draw with Bournemouth, with an elite name emerging as the favourite to replace the Italian alongside a more maverick option
Man Utd ‘working’ on Ruben Amorim sack as favourite from three-man replacement shortlist named
United are quietly working behind the scenes on replacing the Portuguese, with one coach out of three options reportedly 'leading the race'
Fabrizio Romano reveals Man Utd verdict on Amorim sack amid links to two outstanding replacements
Romano has backed up claims from another trusted source over the immediate future of Amorim, amid claims he still faces the sack at United if results don't improve