Luis Suarez has sent a warning to his former teammate Xavi Hernandez to resist the temptation of rejoining Barcelona should Ronald Koeman leave after a poor run of results.
The Catalan side are in a state of disarray after yesterday’s 3-0 defeat against Benfica which leaves them bottom of Champions League Group E without a single point, or even a goal to their name after two games.
Barcelona, meanwhile, remain unbeaten in La Liga but sit in sixth place having been held by clubs like Granada and Cadiz, as they struggle to maintain their lofty standards after Lionel Messi’s exit.
Koeman is currently clinging to his job with Barca president Joan Laporta reported to be considering the likes of River Plate head coach Marcelo Gallardo, who has replaced Xavi, currently manager of Al Sadd, as the frontrunner.
Suarez left Barcelona last summer having been deemed surplus to requirements by Koeman and he inspired Atletico Madrid to the La Liga title.
The former Liverpool player is still in contact with many of his former teammates and in an interview with Sport he said there’s an ongoing ‘war’ and believes it would be a blessing for Xavi were Barca to look elsewhere for Koeman’s replacement.
‘At Barca there is a war that hurts the players,’ he said. ‘I personally recommend Xavi to wait. This is not the ideal time to get to the club. He’s smart he has to wait a moment.’
Luis Enrique, has also distanced himself with speculation linking him to the job, maintaining he is happy to stay as manager of the Spain national team.
He said: ‘I think Joan Laporta doesn’t even have my phone number. I’m not leaving Spanish national team. I’ve a contract here as they wanted me and I’ll respect it.’
