Former FC Barcelona captain Xavi Hernandez has revealed that he initially thought Louis Van Gaal was an "idiot", but that opinion soon changed drastically.
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The Dutchman gave Xavi his debut at the Camp Nou, and the Spaniard has now provided some insight, in an interview with ESPN, into the first few days he spent working with his former boss.
"After two days of training under him, I thought, 'Who is this idiot?'" the midfielder said
"After a week, I thought, 'He's right.' He'll always be in my heart, Louis van Gaal."
Van Gaal's possession-based style of football has been criticised this season as the Red Devils have been one of the worst teams when it comes to creating chances. However, Xavi has backed Van Gaal for success in England.
"(He is a) good person, very good trainer," he added.
"He has a very strong character, but he's calm in the Premier League because there's less pressure. He's much calmer than when he was at Barca or Bayern Munich.
"He's honest, methodical and a real perfectionist. He's very demanding, he's strict and he wants to achieve the highest levels possible."
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Only West Brom have created less chances than Van Gaal's side in the Premier League in this campaign, but the Red Devils sit just two points behind log leaders Manchester City.
Do you think United can win the Premier League under Van Gaal? Have your say in the comments section below.
