Barcelona, Real Madrid Rivalry: Xavi Disrespects Jose Mourinho and Ronaldo

As if the El Clasico rivalry couldn't get any more heated, a verbal jab from a player currently at Euro 2012 is keeping the flames kindling through the summer.

Barcelona and Spain star Xavi Hernandez has been a key component of the success of his club and country over the past several years, and has never been shy about speaking his mind.

In an interview with Reserved Area on Canal+, Xavi let loose on his thoughts about both Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho and superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

Despite the fact that Mourinho is one of only three coaches to lead two different sides to the pinnacle of European football, Xavi suggested that the Portuguese manager's accomplishments are not worth remembering (per ESPN):

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"Mourinho will not go down in football history.  For me, Guardiola is the best and has been the best during the four years he spent in charge.

"He has revolutionised football. Chelsea won the Champions League this year and yet Barca remain the benchmark for world football."

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Xavi went on to talk about the race for the Ballon d'Or—the award given to crown the world's best footballer.

There have been suggestions that Cristiano Ronaldo may take the crown from Xavi's teammate, Lionel Messi, who has won the award each of the past three years. The suggestions stem from the fact that Ronaldo led his team past Messi's to this season's La Liga title.

Xavi dismissed these suggestions, and went almost as far as calling them ludicrous (per ESPN):

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"[Messi]'s the best player I've seen in my life.

"It would be an injustice if any other player won the Ballon d'Or, because no other player is at his level. Messi has helped me to become a better player."

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Xavi's comments will no doubt draw anger from Real Madrid supporters, while possibly causing a divide between his Spanish side's Barcelona and Real Madrid players.

Xavi may believe what he said, but perhaps this was not the time to say it.

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