Xavi questions Real´s sportsmanship

Tension in the Spain camp may have risen days before the start of Euro 2012 after Barcelona star Xavi accused Real Madrid of disrespect.

Influential midfielder Xavi feels Barcelona have not been shown the courtesy they deserve by 2011/12 La Liga winners Real.

“We congratulated them when they won, that is sport at the end of the day,” Xavi told Canal+.

“We have been very respectful with them, however, I have noted that it wasn’t the same in reverse.”

The 32-year-old went on to express his surprise at the departure of Barca coach Pep Guardiola as at the end of last season, but said the players were keen to win more titles under successor Tito Vilanova.

“I was very surprised by Pep leaving, but when he explained it all to us, you understand,” Xavi said.

“The appointment of Tito also surprised me, mostly because of what had happened with his illness, but looking at the decision, I think it was treated in the best way possible,” he added, referring to Vilanova’s diagnosis and subsequent recovery from a malignant tumour.

“This team has to continue winning titles for a few more years, and we don’t have to change the form of coaching.”

Despite failing to retain their Liga and Champions League titles, Barcelona did win the Spanish Super Cup, European Super Cup, Club World Cup and Copa del Rey in 2011/12.

Reigning European champions Spain, with a host of Barca and Real players in the squad, begin their Euro defence against Italy on June 10.