FCBARCELONA.CAT

09.05.2008 14:02

Xavi admits sense of guilt

Jordi Clos

Xavi Hernández was sorry to learn that Rijkaard will be leaving at the end of the season, but agrees that Guardiola was a wise choice to replace him. He considers two years without titles to be a ‘sporting crisis’.

Xavi Hernández had a serious look on his face as he faced the press on Friday. It was the day after President Joan Laporta had announced that Frank Rijkaard is to be replaced by Josep Guardiola on the Barça bench, and the third choice captain said that “we the players feel very guilty about everything that has happened, we think we could have done much more to stop things from coming to this …. But there has never been a lack of attitude or the right working mentality … everybody is responsible for this situation, but the main ones to blame are the players. The board has done all they can, we had some great players but didn’t have a great team”.

Bad season

Unlike previous weeks, this time Xavi accepted the team had gone though what he described as a sporting crisis. “The club can’t go two seasons without winning anything, so for that reason I have to say it’s a crisis” he admitted. “A fortnight ago there wasn’t one, but it seems that you lot (the press) were expecting one”. Xavi had to acknowledge that it has not been a good season. “We gave it all we could, we made it to the semi finals of the Champions League and the Cup, but in the League we have not lived up to expectations. I don’t like having to talk of failure, but it has been a poor season”.

Rijkaard’s mark

Xavi Hernández seemed especially sorry to have to discuss Rijkaard’s exit. “He deserves the very best. He treats people marvellously, he talks about things, he’s kind, and nobody could wish him any harm. He sets an example on all levels, as a coach and as a person; he has left his mark on the squad … If he had won things he would have stayed. Football isn’t fair, but that’s the way it works.” The player from Terrassa was asked what Rijkaard’s mood had been like in training, and replied that “he was serene and calm and asked us to play our last two games with dignity”.

Guardiola, a fine decision

Xavi was forced to confess that “when things go badly, it is only logical for changes to be made.” And he is pleased with the "right decision" to bring Guardiola on board. The two actually played together in the past, and Xavi feels “he is somebody with a strong personality and has all the experience in the world because he has witnessed Barça in so many different senses. As a footballer his was a major presence both in the dressing room and on the pitch." Xavi ended by saying that “Rijkaard has left his mark and we hope that Guardiola, as he did as a player, can do likewise as a manager”.