Barcelona manager Xavi has chosen not to lay blame on Spain boss Luis de la Fuente for Gavi’s serious knee injury, directing his criticism instead towards the demanding football schedule.
Gavi, a pivotal player for both club and country, sustained a season-ending injury during the November international break.
Xavi, addressing the press, expressed the significance of Gavi’s loss and described it as a tragedy, emphasizing the irreplaceable qualities of the 19-year-old. Despite criticism directed at De la Fuente for playing Gavi during the international break, Xavi refrained from blaming the Spain boss, attributing the injury to the strenuous football calendar.
Xavi highlighted the demanding schedule as the primary reason for Gavi’s injury, emphasizing the challenges posed by the frequency of matches and playing time. He stated that there was no controversy with De la Fuente, emphasizing the need to address the broader issue of the football schedule.
While Xavi confirmed sending routine fitness updates to the Spanish Federation, he clarified that he did not have a decisive role in the selection process, acknowledging that each federation makes its own decisions.
Drawing from his personal experience of a similar injury in December 2005, Xavi disclosed that he had advised Gavi on the importance of recovery and professionalism. He emphasized the need for Gavi to prioritize recovery and not compromise on it, drawing on his own lessons from the past.