Xavi brands Gavi criticism nonsense: Is it from the creators of the Villarato?
The Barça coach didn't understand comments made about Gavi this week
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez launched a staunch defence of midfielder Gavi following criticism in recent days.
It has been suggested the Barca player is too rough at times on the pitch and gets away with a lot, an idea which was ridiculed by Xavi.
"Nonsense," the Barça boss said. "There is a referee on the pitch making decisions. He plays with passion and courage. He doesn't need to worry.
"I think he is actually fouled a lot and not many are given in his favour. Where does this come from, the creators of the Villarato (a word common in the Spanish football press to describe a 'possible' conspiracy against Real Madrid -- in favor of Barcelona)?!"
Xavi was pushed even further when another journalist said that Gavi had been compared to Casemiro, the former Madrid midfielder who was also deemed to get away with a lot.
"When he goes with the [Spanish] national team he's wonderful and when he plays with Barça it seems he crosses the line," Xavi added.
"This is how I see it from the outside. With Spain, he's an example of fight and courage; with Barça he is too rough.
"And if [Barca] win, he's even less liked. I'd tell Gavi not to worry, not to put the brakes on and to keep playing with the same passion and courage -- or even more. He has no ceiling."
