Xavi admits frustration with Barcelona role

Barcelona midfielder Xavi has voiced his frustration with his reduced playing
time under head coach Gerardo Martino this season, but has insisted that he will never cause any problems over his changed status.

The 34-year-old has completed only nine out of 25 Primera Division games so far this term as he is no longer an undisputed starter with the Catalans and has admitted that it is not easy to cope with his new role.

"It’s frustrating for me when I don’t get the chance to participate, but I always respect the coach," the midfielder was quoted as saying by Marca. "It’s the coach who has the final say. I am educated enough to know that I cannot override the coach’s decisions.

"At Barca, we all know that none of us are above the coach."

Xavi also had his say on the situation of Carles Puyol amid ongoing speculation that the experienced defender could leave the Camp Nou side this summer.

However, he stressed that the center back has not discussed a potential exit or retiring from professional football.

"Puyol is still under contract. He hasn’t said anything to me or the others," Xavi continued. "He seems perfectly relaxed, as he always does. He’s our captain, our leader and hasn’t said a word about leaving."