The former Barcelona coach, Ronald Koeman, said that he understands Xavi's complaints about the difficulty of training the Catalans and noted the difficulties that come to those who stand on the lines at "Blaugrana" because of the politics that dominate the luxury club.
Since announcing his intention to leave at the end of the season, Xavi has spoken publicly about not enjoying day-to-day life as Barca coach and feeling underappreciated for his achievements.
Koeman was replaced by Xavi as Barca coach in November 2021. "It's much more fun to be a Barcelona player than a coach. I suffered from the pressure. It's the hardest job I've ever had," Koeman told ESPN Holland.
"I do understand Xavi. In my case compared to Xavi, I had a conflict with the president [Juan Laporte]. In his case, as a Catalan and a boy who grew up in the club, he also discovered that being a player is so much more fun and beautiful than being a coach ".
Koeman in his days as Barcelona coach, photo: IPA
Koeman, now the coach of the Dutch national team, added that the media complicates the job even more.
"With all due respect, Xavi was a coach in Qatar, then he joins Barcelona. There everything will be determined by your successes," he said.
"Last year he was praised, but now he also sees the other side. The media has a gun on you and the political situation in the club is also not amazing. The problem is at the head of the club. They must ensure that a coach can function properly. I was not in a difficult state of mind, but I suffered. This It's not fun when your kids cry when you lose a game."
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Barca is currently in third place in the Spanish league, eight points behind the leader Real Madrid.
The Blancos host second-placed Girona on Saturday, while Barca host Granada on Sunday.
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