Barcelona coach Xavi says he has sympathy for referees due to the pressure they are put under in matches.
There had been controversy in La Liga over the weekend following Real Madrid’s victory over Almeria. Several incidents during the game were subject to lengthy on-field reviews by referee Franciso Jose Hernandez following recommendations by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
Almeria players and coaches were left fuming at the officiating in the game and although Xavi didn’t want to reflect on that match, he expressed his views on the matter.
He said: “Yes, I believe in their honesty, but I don’t like the pressure they are under. But the controversy is about the Madrid-Almeria match, not about me. I hope it affects the players in a positive way, that it’s going to cost us a lot and that the anger comes out to compete better.”
Xavi will be boosted by the return of full-back Joao Cancelo for his side’s Copa del Rey quarter-final against Athletic Bilbao.
The defender has recovered from a knee injury, while Andreas Christensen could also feature in the game on Wednesday.
“They are fine, they are ready to play,” Xavi added. “They will have minutes, Joao has no more discomfort, he wants to force, he wants to play. And Christensen is the same, he’s doing very well.”
