Xavi Hernandez, head coach of Barcelona, has expressed concerns over the bias treatment of Gavi due to his connection with the Spanish club.
Xavi, however, feels that he faces more criticism than his other Spanish teammates just because he plays for Barcelona.
The ex-La Roja playmaker couldn’t mention many clubs where players face more scrutiny but didn’t hide his frustration about how the star is being treated while he was away for international duties.
Gavi have received so many criticism from both the media and football fans around the world since he won the Golden Boy award in 2022.
The youngster also won the Kopa award which was presented to him during the Ballon D’Or awards.
Afterward, the media and fans have been arguing that the youngster doesn’t merit the award. Hence, he has been on the spotlight and every thing he does on and off the pitch always attract backlash especially from non-Barca fans.
But his manager Xavi backed him and blasted the critics, saying the young lad merits anything he has earned from the game.
Xavi, in an Interview as reported by Mundo Deportivo, said: “I see a Gavi when he’s here, he’s happy, an extraordinary player, with passion, grit and courage.”
“He has an attitude that should not change.”
“I imagine the problem is that he is ‘a Barca player’, if he were from another team, there would not be a problem.”
“He has an extraordinary career ahead of him. He’s one of the best midfielders in Spain, and without a doubt, in the world.”
Xavi stood his ground saying that he was not referring to Real Madrid when he was asked if he felt Madrid players were seen differently.
Gavi, the former Real Betis youth player has been praised for his elegant style of play, matched with drive and quality in possession.
Xavi Hernandez
Xavier Hernández Creus was born on 25th, January 1980 and he is commonly referred to as Xavi.
He is currently a Spanish professional football manager and former player who is the manager of La Liga club Barcelona.
Xavi is considered one of the greatest midfielders of all time. He is renowned for his passing, vision, ball possession, and positioning.
At age 11, Xavi joined La Masia, the Barcelona youth academy and made his first-team debut against Mallorca in August 1998, at the age 18.
Xavi played 767 official matches, a former club record – which is now held by former teammate Lionel Messi – and he scored 85 goals.
Xavi is the first player in the club’s history to play 150 European and FIFA Club World Cup matches combined.
While in Barcelona, Xavi won eight La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League titles.
Xavi took the coaching path after retiring from active football, and he was named the manager at Qatar Stars League club Al Sadd in May 2019, where he won seven titles within the space of 3 years.
Coming back home, Xavi was named Head Coach of Barcelona – the team that gave him a name – in November 2021.
Gavi
The young lad was born on 5th August 2004 in Los Palacios y Villafranca, Andalusia.
Gavi won the 2022 edition of the Golden Boy award and also received the Kopa Trophy, which was awarded by France Football during the 2022 Ballon d’Or ceremony.
