Former Barca star Xavi attacks Mourinho over ‘defensive tactics’

 Former Barca man Xavi and Man United boss Jose Mourinho [Courtesy]?

Xavi has taken aim at Jose Mourinho and has claimed when he becomes a manager he will never replicate his defensive style.

Barcelona legend Xavi is currently looking at his post-career options while he continues to turn out for Qatari side Al Sadd - with his current deal set to run until 2020.

In April, he started to undergo his coaching badges, including his UEFA A and B licenses, in Madrid.

But having faced Mourinho's Real Madrid while at Barca, Xavi has already made his mind up about which tactically styles he will avoid when he takes to the dugout.

Xavi has claimed when he becomes a manager he will never replicate his defensive style [Courtesy]

"Mourinho is a very defensive manager and playing against his Inter hasn't been easy," Xavi told Corriere dello Sport.

"That's his football and he put it in practice even with Chelsea and Real.

"He cares about all the details, he shuts all the gaps and he doesn't give you much space.

"I like another kind of football. It's not a criticism to him, but I don't enjoy playing football in that way and my teams won't ever have that attitude.

Xavi spent 24 years at Barca, having joined the club as an 11-year-old, where he won eight La Liga titles, three Copa Del Rey crowns and four Champions League winners' medals.

The former Spanish international, who is considered among the greatest ever midfielders, recently named the two players who will replace Cristiano Ronaldo and ex-teammate Lionel Messi as the world's best.

"I have a huge respect for him [Neymar]," Xavi told French media outlet RMC Sport. "He's a fantastic footballer, when Messi and Cristiano lower their level, he will win the next Golden Ball."

And when asked about Neymar's team-mate Kylian Mbappe, Xavi added: "When Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo retire, the debate about the best in the world will be between Neymar and Mbappe."