When Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann offered the opinion that his own player Jamal Musiala and Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham deserved more to win the Kopa award (best under-21 player), it was assumed that someone from Barcelona would respond in the same way. As it turns out, that person was coach Xavi Hernandez. However, the latter did not attack Nagelsmann with “fire and brimstone”, probably because Bayern Munich and Barcelona will play in the Champions League next week.
Instead, Xavi kept the focus on his club players and insisted he was fine with anyone’s different opinion. “Well, I want to congratulate Gavi and also Alexia (Putellas), also Robert (Lewandowski). For me it is a well-\ deserved trophy. Barça is alive, Barça is there. Although we are not enjoying the best results, we are still there.
And of course it’s great to see our players winning individual trophies, now we want to win collective trophies. Nagelsmann’s comments? Everyone has the right to have their opinion”, said Xavi.
It doesn’t look like that will keep the two coaches from shaking hands next week, but they might not exactly be eager to chat casually Over coffee up front.