Xavi Files Lawsuit Against Manuel Jabois

Xavi Demands Retraction from Journalist Over Allegations

Xavi is Prepared to Go the Distance in Defense

Xavi Hernandez, Featured in First Episode of ‘El Álbum’ Series on Barça One

Xavi, following Barcelona’s qualification for the Champions League quarter-finals against Napoli, recalled that ‘El País’ had published a chronicle after their defeat to Royal Antwerp in the group stage, with a headline stating: “Barça is Europe’s jester.” The Barcelona coach criticized the expression, saying in the subsequent press conference, “What do we do now with the jester of the Champions League?” Both the writer of the chronicle, journalist Ramon Besa, and Xavi himself faced criticism from sectors who believed, on one hand, that Besa had overstepped with the headline, and on the other, that Xavi shouldn’t have responded as he did to one of the most prestigious figures within the Barcelona environment.

The issue wouldn’t have escalated further because, in fact, it was different interpretations of the same reality. However, the controversy continued to grow, with Xavi targeted, when journalist Manuel Jabois, also from ‘El País’, said, when asked if he had ever been criticized for something published, the following on the ‘El Larguero’ program on Cadena Ser that same night: “Yes, probably yes, but in private, and I don’t want to say it.” When pressed, he did want to say: “It was Xavi.” “Seriously?” they asked further: “Yes, but I won’t say it because it was in private, through messages, and it was quite dirty.” He ended up saying that “he sent a series of messages and such. He won everything and thought that winning everything makes you untouchable.” The next day he published an article in ‘El País’ where he clarified his words more or less clearly depending on each reader’s comprehension or subjective view, but Xavi believed that Jabois had lied. According to ‘Adrián Sánchez’, from ‘Más que pelotas’, the coach has sued the journalist, something that SPORT has been able to confirm. In fact, the lawsuit is already underway and, initially, the first step before going all the way is for a public retraction of what Manuel Jabois stated at the time to occur.

Going the Distance Club sources claim they have already contacted the journalist, and in private conversation, he admitted that Xavi had not called or written to him. Apparently, and as also explained by Barça, “Xavi does not know who Manuel Jabois is or have his contact.” The Barcelona coach is willing to go all the way to ensure that Manuel Jabois retracts the falsehoods expressed during his radio intervention. If there is no rectification, the lawsuit will continue its course, state sources from the Blaugrana entity.