Xavi critical of Jose Mourinho's tactics

Barcelona midfielder Xavi has criticised Jose Mourinho for the style of play he imposed during his time with Real Madrid.

The Portuguese coach has left Madrid and was confirmed as the new Chelsea manager last week, and the Spanish schemer has aimed a parting shot at the new Blues boss.

"We don't let the pitch dry up so it turns into a 'potato field', a big club can't play like the way Mourinho's did," Xavi told Sport.

"Nor do we kick the other team 30,000 times or try to turn up the heat in a game. We didn't even do that when Madrid went above us. We've won, drawn and lost, but always according to a footballing philosophy. The result is an impostor; it goes beyond winning and losing.

"[Their style of play] annoyed me to see them play like that as they had an idea and a concept before. Zinedine Zidane, Roberto Carlos - they were incredible. I don't want people to think that I'm always attacking Mourinho, that's not my intention, but obviously I don't like the way his teams play on the pitch."

Mourinho won the Liga title with los Blancos in 2012 but relinquished their crown last season to rivals Barca.