Xavi ridicules Barcelona end-of-era talk

The Spain international has brushed off claims that Barca’s period of European dominance is coming to an end

Xavi has laughed off suggestions that Barcelona’s dynasty is over, claiming it comes from people who do not want the club to succeed.

Barcelona won 14 trophies between 2008-2012 under former coach Pep Guardiola, including two Champions League triumphs.

This year they won La Liga but missed out on the Champions League and the Copa del Rey, but Xavi believes talk of Barca’s dominance coming to an end is laughable.

“I laugh whenever I hear it. Years ago I was hearing this and it seems that it will never happen, unfortunately for some,” Xavi told Sport.es.“It will take a lot [to end the era]. What is clear is that all those who talk of the end of the cycle are people who don’t want Barcelona [to succeed]. Pay no attention to them.”

Xavi also argued that Bayern Munich are not the dominant force in European football despite suffering a 7-0 aggregate defeat to the Bavarians in the Champions League semi-final.

“I don’t agree [that Bayern are a lot stronger than Barcelona],” he continued.

“Bayern changed against us, were less attacking than usual and pressed us well, they defended seamlessly.

“They were stronger and faster than us. But when we had the ball they could not dominate us. It is evident that they were much better [on the day], but there a lots of reasons why neither us nor Madrid reached the final.”

The Spaniard also addressed suggestions there could be a clash of egos between Lionel Messi and new arrival Neymar, claiming that there are no issues in the dressing room at Barcelona.

“Johan [Cruyff] and I mean it when we say that there are cockfights in football, but I’m sure that will not happen here. The theme of the roosters and egos in this locker room is controlled.

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