Xavi: 'Louis van Gaal helped me develop'

Former Barcelona midfielder Xavi has claimed that he benefited from Louis van Gaal's strict approach in the early stages of his career at the Camp Nou.

The club legend departed the Catalan giants at the end of last season to join Al Sadd, and he looks back fondly at his time working under the guidance of Van Gaal.

Despite admitting that the Manchester United boss was tough on him much of the time, the 35-year-old believes that his style is good for younger players.

"I will remember him all my life, but for better not worse," Xavi told Marca. "He was very direct.

"One day he would bury you and humiliate you in front of the group and the next day he would tell me I was [Zinedine] Zidane. That is the way he is and in time it has a positive effect."

Van Gaal won two La Liga titles, a Copa del Rey and the UEFA Super Cup during his time with Barcelona.