Jose Mourinho has been warned not to head down the war path after coming in for fierce criticism as Manchester United boss - by former Barcelona star Xavi.
The midfielder stated his belief that Mourinho could batten down the hatches and become difficult to deal with and, in quotes published by the Daily Mirror, Xavi voiced his fear that the Portuguese manager could revert to type in the weeks to come.
He said: Sometimes, when things don't go well for Mourinho, he wants war not football - like when he was at Madrid - and I hope we don't see that again in England.�
Mourinho has come under increasing pressure throughout the season after his United side's inconsistent form during the opening two months of the campaign.
The Red Devils lost three games on the spin after winning their opening three matches of 2016/17, before seemingly turning the corner with a six-match unbeaten run in all competitions.
However, Mourinho was humiliated upon his return to former club Chelsea on Sunday as his charges were thumped 4-0 by Antonio Conte's men at Stamford Bridge.
The result left United seventh in the Premier League table and, despite only being five points off top spot, critics and fans alike have questioned Mourinho's ability to turn around the Old Trafford outfit's fortunes.
Meanwhile, Xavi commented on the potentially mouthwatering EFL Cup tie between United and city rivals Manchester City - an encounter that will pit old adversaries Mourinho and Pep Guardiola together once more.
The duo endured a frosty relationship during the spells in charge of La Liga rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona, and Xavi knows first hand just how volatile the pair's relations were after playing under Guardiola at the Camp Nou.
While both City and United will be desperate to turn their respective club's form around, the 36-year-old is of the opinion that Wednesday's clash is a game neither manager can afford to lose.
He continued: Both coaches are going to want to win this game. I don't believe this is a competition they will not take seriously.
When I knew they would be rival coaches again, I knew it would be good for football. I knew it would be especially good for English football. They're two of the best coaches in the world and their duel can be the best in football.�
Moyes, Van Gaal & now Mourinho the issue. About time these overpaid millionaires started showing some backbone & taking responsibility.
Xavi, who now plies his trade with Al Sadd, added that Guardiola would not be concerned by his City side's run of five games without a win, and backed the 45-year-old to lead the Citizens to Premier League glory.
He added: Pep will not be worrying, that's not his way - but he will not have been happy with recent results - and a good win against the biggest rivals could put them on a good run again.
Pep will also want to win his first competition with City, that will be important for him. Even with City dropping some points in the league, I still think under Pep they'll be champions this season.�
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