Former Barcelona skipper Xavi admitted he thought Louis van Gaal was “an idiot” when he first met the Manchester United boss. But the former Spain international said he soon recognised Van Gaal’s strengths as a coach and hailed the United boss as a perfectionist.
Van Gaal has come in for criticism from United legend Paul Scholes, as well as sections of Reds fans this season for his perceived negative style.
That is despite United standing just two points off top spot in the Premier League and heading their Champions League group, one win away from qualifying for the last 16.
Under the microscope: Van Gaal is yet to convince some United supporters of his worth.
But Xavi, who played under Van Gaal during both of the Dutchman’s spells at the Nou Camp, said he had a high regard for the 64-year-old after initially dismissing his coaching ability.
“After two days of training under him, I thought, ‘Who is this idiot?’,” Xavi told ESPN . “After a week, I thought, ‘He’s right.’ He’ll always be in my heart, Louis van Gaal.
“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 much calmer than when he was at Barca or Bayern Munich.
