AD Cueta coach Jose Juan Romero has called out Xavi Hernandez’s “inappropriate” comments after the Barcelona boss said his side had been lucky to draw the third division side in the Copa del Rey round of 16.
Xavi said he was relieved to avoid a match against one of the bigger teams left in the competition, and his comment about being fortunate was in relation to previous complaints about tough draws in Europe, with Barca facing Bayern Munich and Inter Milan in the Champions League group stage and Manchester United in the Europa League next month.
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“It wasn’t a very appropriate comment to make,” Romero told Cadena Ser ahead of the tie, which will be played later in January. “He could have said it in another way. It hasn’t sat well with me, the club or anyone.
“We won’t go into the game to ask for shirts, we will go after them. Then, after the game, we will see who was lucky.”
Cueta have had to win three games to set up the match against Barca, including against second division Ibiza and LaLiga team Elche, while the Catalan side only entered the competition in the previous round.
Romero, who has spent the last decade coaching in Spain’s lower leagues, said Xavi’s lack of experience of anything below the top level may have been the reason for his comments.
“Maybe he doesn’t know what it takes for teams to reach this stage because he’s had a much easier path as a coach,” Romero added.
“I always try to have respect and, as I value the lower leagues so much, it’s not sat well with me. I admire Xavi. As a player, for me, he’s been one of the greatest Spain have produced, so it surprised me to be honest. I didn’t like it.”
