Barcelona’s Xavi: ‘I will not tolerate lies’

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández confirmed on Friday that he is taking legal action against two journalists he said made up stories about him.

This week, there were reports that Xavi was unhappy with a report that stated he ordered his coaching staff to put their cell phones on the table in order to determine if he was leaking information from his own team.

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Another story centred on a journalist who claimed Xavi messaged him complaining about criticism he had published, which was denied by sources close to the Barça boss at the time with the reporter in question later backtracking.

“I understand criticism, but there is a limit,” Xavi said at a press conference before Saturday’s match. LaLiga Game against Las Palmas At the Olympic Stadium

“I won’t tolerate lying or people making up things. “It’s time to stop lying, these are massive lies. Now is the time to act.”

Xavi has criticised media at several points this season. He suggested in December that negative coverage was affecting the performances of his team.

After reaching the Champions League quarterfinals this month, he then singled out and condemned an article from December which had suggested Barça were the “joke” of Europe’s elite competition.

His January announcement that he would step down at season’s end was influenced by the intense media environment surrounding the club.

Since then, Barça have been unbeaten in 10 games, reaching the last eight of the Champions League for the first time since 2020 and climbing to second in LaLiga, although they remain eight points behind leaders Real Madrid.

It has led to calls for Xavi, who led Barça to the LaLiga title last season, to backtrack on his decision and commit to taking charge of the Catalan side next year.

“I am grateful to people who want me to remain, but nothing’s changed. I am thinking about the club’s interests,” he continued.

Barça’s recent form has been underpinned by the emergence of Lamine Yamal You can also find out more about the following: Pau CubarsíThe two teenagers, aged 16 and 17, are already internationals. Spain.

The attacker Yamal was a star for his country on Tuesday 3-3 draw You can also check out our other articles. BrazilEarning a standing ovation from the Santiago Bernabéu crowd, while defender Cubarsí came off the bench in that game after making his debut against Colombia last Friday.

“They have to maintain their level — Barça is the highest rung of world football,” Xavi said when asked about the next step for the two youngsters.

“Many have arrived [at the elite level]They have the mentality and the ability to do it, but it’s very difficult. I think two players can define an era for the club and even world football.”

Ferran Torres Las Palmas visit this weekend and will welcome back injured players. Jules Koundé, Ronald Araújo You can also find out more about the following: Robert Lewandowski After minor injuries sustained on international duty last week, the players are fully fit.

Andreas Christensen It is not clear if he will be back in the game, but Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, AlejYou can also find out more about the following:ro Balde and Gavi still sidelined.