Andres Iniesta has backed his former team-mate Xavi Hernandez to become Barcelona’s new manager but has criticised the Spanish club for their treatment of Ernesto Valverde.
Xavi Hernandez confirmed he met Barcelona officials despite Ernesto Valverde still being in charge of the club.
According to reports in Spain, Xavi has turned down an approach to take charge of Barca immediately but expressed a desire to become a manager at the Nou Camp in the future.
Andres Iniesta was asked who he would choose between Xavi, who manages Qatari side Al Sadd SC, and Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman.
He told Spanish radio channel Onda Cero: “The one who knows best is Xavi, he will have analysed all the variables that there can be and let’s see what happens.
“Koeman has a lot of experience as a coach and Xavi is starting out now. But a lot of times experience counts for nothing. Both of them have been at Barça and know the club.”
Iniesta was a guest at Barcelona’s training ground on Monday fresh from criticising the club for their treatment of current coach Valverde.
He added: “What comes to my mind a little, is that the way everything is being done is a bit ugly.
“I think that there should always be respect for the coach. The boss’ position has been left very weakened.”
Pochettino has also been linked with the job despite saying he would never manage Barcelona having played and managed rivals Espanyol.
While at Tottenham, Mauricio Pochettino said: “I am so clear. I am never going to be manager of Barcelona or Arsenal because I am so identified with Tottenham and Espanyol.
“I grew up with Newell’s Old Boys and will never manage [their rivals] Rosario Central. That is my decision because I prefer to work on my farm in Argentina than in some places.”
