Legendary Barcelona midfielder Xavi says it has been his “pain” to see Zinedine Zidane “suffer” as Real Madrid manager this season, despite the fierce rivalry between the two clubs.
“Of course I admire Zidane because he was an extraordinary footballer,” Xavi said in an interview with beIN Sports. “It was wonderful to watch him play.”
Last summer, Zidane was poised to establish his Real Madrid side as one of history’s best. They’d become the first team to win the Champions League twice in a row, and done a La Liga and European double for just the third time in the club’s history – and for the first time in 59 years.
At the same time, it seemed Barcelona were floundering, setting the stage for an era of Real Madrid dominance.
Instead, Madrid have stumbled in the league this season, falling 19 points behind leaders Barcelona, and face a tough Round of 16 tie in the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain. They also crashed out of the Copa del Rey following a shock home loss to Leganes.
As much as Xavi must delight in the shift in Spanish football’s balance of power, he says he hasn’t enjoyed watching Zidane struggle.
“My pain has been to see him suffer at Real Madrid. It’s a real shame,” Xavi said.
“Everyone has admired Zidane and continues to admire him. Not just as a player; he’s a gentleman, a sensible, noble person known by the entire world of football. He’s an example to follow.”
Xavi sympathises with Zidane over the Real Madrid manager’s struggles.
Xavi compared him to fellow Barcelona legend Lionel Messi, who has long been the Spaniard’s favourite player.
“Who wasn’t a fan of Diego Maradona or isn’t now a fan of Messi?” he asked. “They are magical players who have had a magic wand that told them they were going to be the best of their generation.
“Maradona, Messi, Pele, Johan Cruyff, Zidane, Alfredo Di Stefano remain in the memory of all football lovers. They have been the players to make a difference.”
Madrid face Levante this weekend off the back of a 4-1 win at Valencia last Saturday, then have a home fixture against Real Sociedad next weekend before the visit of PSG.
