Xavi Reveals Louis van Gaal 'Humiliated' Him, Criticises Jose Mourinho's Style

Barcelona legend Xavi has spoken out about Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal’s style of coaching, insisting that occasionally the Dutchman would “humiliate” him.

Speaking with Marca (h/t Pete Jenson of the MailOnline), the former Blaugrana midfielder revealed how Van Gaal would often demean his players, though he was also prone to hyping them up. Despite the Dutchman's character, Xavi insisted that his overriding memories of Van Gaal are positive:

"

I will remember him all my life, but for better not worse. He was very direct. One day he would bury you and humiliate you in front of the group and the next day he would tell me I was Zidane. That is the way he is and in time it has a positive effect.

Under him I went from playing at Old Trafford to going to play at [third division] Alcoyano when he dropped me back down to Barca B. That is something that has been lost. Now if you are in the first team it’s is taken for granted that you will not go back down [to the reserves].

That’s wrong. A kid of 18 years old has to, above all, play. That way when you get back in the first team you are more hungry than ever to take your chance.

"

Alvaro Barrientos/Associated Press

It’s little surprise to hear Xavi paint a picture of a manager so emotive. Into his second season as Manchester United boss, Van Gaal has already ruffled plenty of feathers, with the likes of Rafael, Angel Di Maria, Robin van Persie, Radamel Falcao and Javier Hernandez all criticising the Dutchman since departing the club.

Things seem to be slowly turning around for United under his tutelage, though. As noted here by ESPN FC’s Miguel Delaney, Van Gaal seems to get the best out of his players when it matters:

His style of management certainly didn’t hinder Xavi, who went on to become one of the finest midfielders of this generation. His early exchanges with Van Gaal may not have completely defined him as a footballer, but it’s clear the World Cup winner valued the strict approach the Dutchman would often take with young players.

CAMAY SUNGU/Associated Press

Xavi also spoke about some of his early exchanges with Jose Mourinho. The current Chelsea boss worked under Van Gaal at the Camp Nou before going on to manage Benfica, and while the Spanish maestro was critical of the Blues boss’ style of play, he revealed he has a lot of admiration for him.

“I respect him a lot, although I don’t agree with his way of playing,” said Xavi. “He helped me a great deal in the three years he was at Barcelona. At that time we spoke the same language and believed in the same things.”

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Mourinho has also gone on to enjoy a successful career after some exchanges with Van Gaal, managing some of European football’s biggest sides in Porto, Inter Milan and Real Madrid as well as the Blues. But he’s certainly strayed further away from the quintessential Barcelona principles than the Red Devils boss.

Despite winning various honours, Mourinho’s style of play is still a stick used to beat him. Chelsea fan and comedy actor Will Ferrell sent some lighthearted criticism Jose's way, via BreatheSport:

"

Brilliant advice from Will Ferrell to Jose Mourinho... pic.twitter.com/h59nSrFqOL

— BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) September 10, 2015"

Xavi also explained how his other major managerial influence, Pep Guardiola, convinced him to stay at Barcelona in 2008. Speaking to Marca (h/t Eurosport.co.uk's Joshua Hayward), Xavi revealed how Guardiola convinced him to shun Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, even though he thought Barca wanted to sell him.

Guardiola made it clear Xavi was still wanted at the Camp Nou: "Pep told me that I was not going anywhere and explained how he could not imagine a Barcelona without me. I was captivated by what he said."

MANU FERNANDEZ/Associated Press

Barca's and Bayern's respective histories would have read a lot different had Guardiola not won Xavi over. The player's own career arc may have been disrupted earlier, had he not eventually warmed to Van Gaal.

There are plenty of players at United who may do well to take Xavi’s words on board. While some senior figures at the club spoke to Van Gaal about the club’s training methods' being uninspiring, they are principles that have been forged throughout a long and illustrious managerial career, helping players like Xavi on their way in the process.

Some tough love early on in his career didn’t do the Barcelona icon too much harm at all.