What FC Barcelona Coach Xavi Hernandez Said Is ‘One Of The Most Unfair’ Things Ever Witnessed

FC Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez has addressed one of the “most unfair” things he’s ever seen in football.

The legendary midfielder’s team enjoyed a 2-0 win over Cadiz on Sunday at Camp Nou which maintained their eight point lead over bitter rivals Real Madrid at the La Liga summit.

The victory was made possible through a goal and an assist from Sergi Roberto, who scored then set up Robert Lewandowski over a brilliant few minutes approaching half time.

Following the full time whistle, Xavi defended his fellow La Masia graduate who replaced an injured Pedri during Thursday’s Europa League playoff first leg tie and is primed to start in the return fixture at Old Trafford this week.

“The criticism of Sergi Roberto is one of the most unfair I’ve seen,” Xavi said.

“He always performs well wherever he plays, he never complains, he has a spectacular attitude. He’s a tremendous captain, he’s unselfish, and he’s Barca through and through,” Xavi added.

Though Xavi may have been exaggerating a little here considering his 30-something years in the game since being discovered by Barca as a pre-teen, it is impossible not to notice the hate Roberto receives from a certain section of the fan base online.

The victory over Cadiz must have made hard viewing for some Twitter supporters who have it in for Roberto and €55mn ($58mn) signing Ferran Torres.

Despite Roberto’s solid stats, Torres was voted the Player of the Match and felt that the first half was the best 45 minutes he has played in a Barca shirt since joining from Manchester City in January 2022.

Unlike Ansu Fati, Torres made the most of his opportunity to shine in a rare start ahead of Raphinha, which Xavi noticed.

“He has taken a step forward to gain confidence,” the head coach acknowledged.

Torres preferred to focus on the team effort in his own post-match interview, however, saying that the Catalans’ comfortable lead in the league table “is a reflection of how we have been working”.

“We have been working very hard since the beginning of the season and now we are in a great moment,” he further claimed.