Xavi criticism for Real

Xavi: Not impressed by Real’s gamesmanship

Xavi has stoked the rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid by criticising the conduct of Jose Mourinho’s club ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg.

The match at the Camp Nou is the fourth El Clasico in 18 days and follows last Wednesday’s bad-tempered first leg at the Bernabeu, which Barcelona won 2-0 thanks to two goals from Lionel Messi.

Real coach Mourinho and Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola were involved in a war of words prior to that match and tempers subsequently frayed on the pitch, with the former being sent to the stands.

Mourinho also hit out at Barca and Guardiola in his post-match press conference, calling the side’s last Champions League win a ‘scandal’ and claiming the Catalans receive support from Uefa in the big European matches.

Spain star Xavi has now criticised Mourinho’s side for their manipulation of the Bernabeu pitch both last Wednesday and prior to the league game which kicked off this unique series of matches on 16th April.

Deplorable

“I believe people like to see attractive football on a good playing surface, not long grass and hard pitches,” he said.

“It’s deplorable that there are no regulations in place for the state of the pitches.

“In 2011, there are still no regulations and that’s regrettable.”

Despite his reservations about the Bernabeu pitch, Xavi hopes the talk will soon return to the football following the off-field controversies of the last week.

“I have the feeling that we are talking very little about football and that makes me sad,” he said.

“I love playing against Real Madrid and I love playing in these big games. They are very exciting challenges. It’s satisfying to be in the semi-finals and a reason to be proud.”