FC Barcelona Boss Xavi Slams ‘Unacceptable’ Rubiales Before Villarreal

FC Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez used his prematch press conference on Saturday to slam the ‘unacceptable’ conduct of Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales.

Rubiales was expected to stand down at a specially-held assembly on Friday only to defiantly repeat that he will not resign for kissing the captain of the Spain’s women’s team, Jennifer Hermoso, after they beat England in the final of the Women’s World Cup in Sydney last Sunday.

Rubiales claimed the contact was consensual, but Hermoso released a statement on Friday night denying so and that it was done against her will.

On Saturday morning, football world governing body FIFA announced that it had provisionally suspended Rubiales.

The members of Spain’s women’s team have gone on strike in protest, and without fielding questions first, Xavi offered his “unconditional” support to ex-Barca player Hermoso and the women’s football players at his press conference ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Villarreal.

“Secondly, I condemn the conduct of the President of the Federation, which I find unacceptable. And third, [I offer] my sorrow that there is no talk of the historic milestone of the World Cup and talk about this intolerant behavior [instead].

“I’ve been clear and I hope we’ll talk about other aspects,” Xavi concluded on this.

Barca head to the Estadio de la Ceramica four points behind Real Madrid to play at 17.30 local time in blistering heat.

From the ‘Yellow Submarine’, managed by former Barca boss Quique Setien, Xavi expects a team similar to his who are well equipped in midfield and can “dominate the game”.

“You have to take the ball away from them. Press their defensive line, press them in the field.

“The key will be to have the ball,” Xavi added.

As for his striker Robert Lewandowski, a report by El Nacional explained that the Catalans will try to sell the Pole in 2024 amid a downturn in form.

Of the 35-year-old, who is scoreless thus far this season, Xavi said he is “very calm”.

“He contributes to other things, the other day he gave the pass for the goal. He needs goals like strikers [do], but he looks happy and content. I’m calm about it.”

Another player being linked with a move away from the club is Ez Abde, who Barca have placed a €30 million ($32.4 million) price tag on according to Mundo Deportivo.

But if Xavi has is way, he would probably prefer to keep the Moroccan who he confessed to liking on a “personal level an as a professional”.

“I’m counting on him. He can bring us a lot. The player must understand that there are no starters and substitutes. Especially in midfield and attack, where there are many players.”