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Several players have struggled to produce their best football under the bright Camp Nou lights but one star has come out to reveal his issues were caused by former Barcelona boss Xavi.
US international Sergino Dest has opened up about his frustrating time at Barcelona, specifically targeting former coach Xavi.
Dest, 23, joined Barca from Ajax in 2020 but struggled to secure regular playing time after Xavi took charge in 2021.
You played like Eibar — PSG boss Luis Enrique slams Xavi for boring football at Barcelona
In an interview with Diario Sport, Dest expressed his disappointment:
"I wouldn't say regrets, because how it ended didn't depend on me, but I don't feel I had the necessary chances with Xavi."
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"I felt like I had to play with limits; that I could not be myself. I want to join the attack, which is my biggest strength, but he asked me not to go forward."
Dest also questioned Xavi's sincerity, saying;
"I don't think he was honest with me, either. We had several conversations in which he told me one thing, but after, I had doubts whether he really told me the truth."
"In the summer [of 2023], before going on holiday, he told me: 'I am counting on you, don't read the press.' And as soon as I returned, he told me: 'You have to go.'"
After loan spells at AC Milan and PSV, Dest permanently joined the Dutch club this summer, seeking a fresh start.
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