Barcelona legend Xavi believes Jose Mourinho wanted “war” between Real Madrid and the Catalans, leading to Iker Casillas and the midfielder apologising to each other in private.
While Mourinho was in charge of the Galacticos, there was often bad blood on the pitch between Real Madrid and Barcelona, with plenty of rough challenges and red cards.
Barcelona often got the better of their rivals though Mourinho did inflict some big defeats upon the Catalan giants, winning La Liga ahead of them in 2012.
However, Xavi believes the fights between the two sets of players came about because Mourinho wanted a battle on the pitch, admitting he and Casillas – Spanish national team-mates – would often apologise to each other in private.
“Mourinho seemed annoyed by the search for peace. He wanted war and we wanted football. Iker’s attempt to stop this war cost him dearly with a sector of Madrid. Some people haven’t forgiven us. Iker called me to tell me everything, apologising for 200 things. I apologised for the other 200 and, finally, we reached an agreement,” Xavi told AS.
“War wounds? A few, but I played fast, one touch or two. And if not, I turned. I wasn’t quick, skilful or strong. I was always looking for space, survival. If I had been like Paul Pogba it would be different.”
Xavi finished his Barcelona career in the summer of 2015, just off the back of his second treble in five years as Luis Enrique led the Catalans to success in La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League.
In the past 10 seasons, Barcelona have won the Spanish top flight on six occasions while Real Madrid have lifted the title three times.
Xavi was present for five of Barca’s title-winning seasons in the past decade, and is now with Qatari club Al Sadd SC.
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