Before appearing in the press room, a place to - in theory - talk about football and the next match that the first men's squad of FC Barcelona occupies, Xavi Hernández reflected, became aware and prepared to answer the questions related to the shameful Rubiales case and the kiss without consent that he gave to Jenni Hermoso during the celebration of the Women's World Cup. A scene that has caused an unprecedented political, media, international and football uproar. And not without consequences. The Barcelona coach, who has always defended that occupying the Blaugrana bench is much more complicated than it seems, sat down, took a breath and without further ado tried to be as forceful as possible.
"I want to say something", he began as he sat down before the carousel of questions from the press began. "All my unconditional support for Jenni Hermoso and the players for what they are going through. I want to condemn the conduct of the president of the RFEF, which I find unacceptable. Finally, I want to express my feeling of sorrow and sadness because because of this intolerable behavior the World Cup and what they have achieved is not being talked about. It is a historical landmark. I hope I have been clear and forceful on this issue", he pointed out.
Asked if the immediate termination of Luis Rubiales as president of the RFEF was necessary and because of the decision made by FIFA disqualifying the highest institutional representative of Spanish football, Xavi replied with a "I don't get into these issues". He believes that his role as a coach should not go beyond that. "I think I have been clear. I gave my opinion and took a stand with the players. Those who know me know that I am an honest and sincere person who always rows, sums up and seeks consensus", he declared, gesturing with his hands with the naturalness that characterizes him and the seriousness that the moment required. He also tried to distance himself in his own way from the club's statement, which many Barcelonians considered lukewarm, since it did not demand the immediate termination of Rubiales. "The statement is a club issue. I have been clear in my duties as coach", he clarified. "And I think we all have to stand up for them and that's what I said", he emphasized. It is well known the good relationship that Xavi has with the FC Barcelona players. Aitana Bonmatí, to whom he wrote the foreword of his book, Alexia Putellas and many more are an example. He admires them as people and also for the game they display. Wanting to claim them, the coach took a breath.
And it started again.
"The pity is that we are not talking about them being world champions, but about a behavior that I have already said is unacceptable. Let's talk about how hard it has been for them to get here. Of the barriers they have overcome to win the World Cup. We must unite. I hope that everything will be resolved as soon as possible", he said before resolving with a "everyone is free to think what they want", when they asked him if men's football should be more forceful as the players have been like Borja Iglesias, who has given up going to the national team until there is a change, or even Sergi Roberto, who supported Alexia's tweet and his "It's over". A phrase that is already the motto of this new revolution of female players.
