Euro 2016

Xavi "surprised" by Vicente del Bosque comments

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 02 July 2016

Former Spain international Xavi was "quite surprised" that Vicente del Bosque decided to go public with a spat that occurred with Iker Casillas at Euro 2016.

Former Spain international Xavi has claimed that he was "quite surprised" that Vicente del Bosque decided to go public with a spat that occurred with Iker Casillas at Euro 2016.

Del Bosque, who is to stand down as head coach of the national team, revealed that Casillas had a difficult relationship with the Spain coaches during the European Championships after losing his spot as number one.

Xavi, however, who represented Spain on 133 occasions between 2000 and 2014, is "convinced" that Del Bosque and Casillas will eventually put their differences aside.

"I was quite surprised by Del Bosque's comments about Casillas," Xavi told Deportes Cuatro. "I obviously wasn't there, so I don't know what prompted Vicente to make these comments. Still, I think they will resolve this.

"There was no bad atmosphere during the World Cup in Brazil, but I don't know what happened in France. I talked about it with Iker and I am convinced they will sort this out. But I am surprised that the coach went public."

David de Gea was officially appointed Spain number one for the tournament in France.