Xavi Hernandez: Why His Criticism of Real Madrid May Hurt Spain in Euro 2012

Xavi Hernandez criticized Real Madrid (again) for their lack of professional sporting behavior during the previous La Liga BBVA seasons.  Hernandez made his comments in an interview with Canal + (h/t to Goal).

Hernandez said that FC Barcelona congratulated Real Madrid after each match but there was no reciprocity. While there would be agreement with Hernandez about Real Madrid, I consider it out of place in the Euro 2012 tournament.

The Spanish National Football team is preparing for the Euro 2012 tournament in Group C against Italy, Croatia, and the Republic of Ireland. Spain has a great opportunity to win a third consecutive time after Euro 2008 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The fear that Hernandez may damage the possibility of Spain’s victory is real. The same applies to supposed differences between Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique.

The worst thing that could happen to a national team is when personal differences and club rivalries threaten to divide it. A great analogy of what happens to a team (with internal division) that could be used is a car when it begins to rust.

The personal differences, club rivalries, and declarations such as those by Hernandez tend to gradually corrode the unity within a team. The corrosion gradually seeps in the team weaving psychological divisions between its players.

The team unity deteriorates eventually to the point of no return. The result is that the team loses the match before it even begins to play.

Hernandez, Pique, and Ramos are only deluding themselves if they think that internal rivalries will help them. They will pay the price with their professional careers since the supporters will feel deceived and stabbed in the back.

I may be a Barca supporter but my support is with Spain during Euro 2012. While Victor De Bosque has taken steps to ensure unity, the challenge is set for the Spanish Euro 2012 squad to unite as one.

It is hoped that the squad can play as one instead of musing about the FC Barcelona and Real Madrid rivalry.