Former Barcelona captain Xavi hopes Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho does not start a “war” in the Premier League like he did back in Spain with Real Madrid.
The 53-year-old took charge of the Red Devils in the summer and things initially seemed rosy, after Mourinho spent a world-record £89 million on Paul Pogba and also brought in star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
However, after three league wins from their opening three games, things have started to turn sour and their latest 4-0 drubbing to the hands of Mourinho’s former club, Chelsea, highlight the problems emerging within his ranks.
As a result of the poor performances recently, many feel that Mourinho has lost his touch and some are even pointing to his spell as Real Madrid manager between 2010 and 2013 as the catalyst behind it.
During his time in charge of Los Blancos, Mourinho – who won a La Liga title there – fell out with the majority of supporters, including star players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Iker Casillas.
Ex-Barcelona star Xavi, who saw first-hand Mourinho’s dark arts when the Special One was in charge of rivals Real Madrid, fears Mourinho will revert to type with his back against the wall.
Xavi said: “Sometimes, when things don’t go well for Mourinho, he wants war not football – like when he was at Madrid – and I hope we don’t see that again in England.”
Mourinho’s rivalry with City boss Pep Guardiola turned toxic when the pair were in charge of Real and Barca, with Xavi fearing history will repeat itself in Manchester.
United host City in the EFL Cup at Old Trafford tomorrow in a game neither Mourinho or Guardiola – without a win in five games at City – can afford to lose.
“When I knew they would be rival coaches again, I knew it would be good for football,” said Xavi. “I knew it would be especially good for English football.
“They’re two of the best coaches in the world and their duel can be the best in football.”
Guardiola came out on top when he and Mourinho met for the first time in the Premier League on September 10, with City beating United 2-1 at Old Trafford.
Mourinho will be desperate for revenge tomorrow following his Chelsea debacle, despite claiming the EFL Cup is the least important of the four trophies United are chasing.
“Both coaches are going to want to win this game,” said Xavi. “I don’t believe this is a competition they will not take seriously.”
“The domestic competitions have to be everything for United and Mourinho this season. I don’t think this season they can win the Premier League. These competitions are their hope for a trophy.
“Once Mourinho has had another transfer window, maybe they’ll be ready, but for now they must secure a finish in a Champions Leauge spot – that’s where United belong.”
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