Barcelona continued their excellent start to the domestic campaign by securing a 1-0 victory over Valencia on Saturday evening.
During the post-match press conference, Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez remarked that Valencia appeared more defensive than usual.
However, Valencia manager Gennaro Gattuso has reacted to the comment, stating that he must have watched another game than the Barcelona coach.
“I must have watched another match,” said Gattuso. “I respect Xavi a lot, but I don’t agree with what he said. Barça was better, I accept it, but I can’t agree with anything else.
Gattuso had heaped praise on Xavi heading into this game, particularly hailing his footballing career. But it appears the Italian tactician is not on board with Xavi’s comments after the Valencia game.
Nevertheless, Gattuso praised the Barcelona coach for his knowledge of the game, adding: “I’m impressed with the way Xavi understands football.”
However, the Italian lamented that his team had too many players playing out of position. “We had several players out of position due to injuries,” he said.
Valencia were indeed missing the likes of Samu Castillejo, Mouctar Diakhaby and Jaume Domenech heading into this game. Former Barcelona midfielder Ilaix Moriba was also ruled out due to an adductor injury.
Barça, for their part, though, were dealt with two fresh injury blows as both Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde picked up knocks on the night. While Kounde’s knock does not appear to be serious, Garcia is facing the risk of being sidelined as his injury is thought to be more serious.
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