Xavi describes Van Gaal as a demanding coach and a real perfectionist.
The midfielder is thankful for the Dutchman trusting him despite his tender age.
“After two days of training under him I thought, ‘Who is this idiot?’ After a week, I thought, ‘He’s right.’ He’ll always be in my heart, Louis van Gaal,” Xavi told ESPN back in 2015 when the Dutchman was still coaching Manchester United.
“[He is a] good person, very good trainer. He has a very strong character but he’s calm in the Premier League because there’s less pressure.
“He’s honest, methodical and a real perfectionist. He’s very demanding, he’s strict and he wants to achieve the highest levels possible. He’s a tough fighter, yet he put trust into me when I was 17 and 18 years old.”
Van Gaal actually had two spells at Barcelona, between 1997 and 2000 and between 2002 and 2003. With him in charge, the Catalans won four trophies, including two league titles.
Under Van Gaal, Xavi made 92 appearances, scoring five goals and registering seven assists.
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