Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has aimed a brutal dig at Xavi - claiming he 'won't lower myself to the same level' as his Barcelona counterpart.
Real are currently top of the La Liga table after 22 games following their 2-0 win over Getafe on Thursday evening.
Their nearest challengers, Girona, are two points behind them, while Barcelona are a further eight points back in fourth place.
Advert
And after missing out on winning the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia last month, further scrutiny was placed on Xavi's position at the club - despite guiding the side to the La Liga title last season.
Following a 5-3 home defeat to Villarreal in the Spanish top division on January 27, Xavi made the shock announcement that he would be leaving his role at the end of the current season.
Meanwhile, on Friday, Xavi claimed that referees in La Liga are favouring Real Madrid, telling Spanish media (quotes via Goal): "I already said that I don't like that they condition the referees, but they continue to do it every week.
Advert
"The referees are going to whistle conditioned ... I agree 100 per cent with the president's words. It's a reality and we can't deceive Barcelona fans.
"Even a blind man can see what is happening ... Everyone is seeing it, but it is the media that has to say it."
Ancelotti was unsurprisingly furious at Xavi's claims, but managed to give a more reserved response when questioned by reporters ahead of Real's La Liga clash against Atletico Madrid on Sunday.
He said (quotes via beIN Sports): "I think I am a professional, and as a professional, I don't want to lower myself to this level out of respect for Spanish football.
Advert
"Don't ask me more about this because I don't want to lower myself to a level that is not for professionals."
The next El Clasico clash between the two clubs, currently scheduled for April 21, will certainly be one to keep an eye on, you suspect.
Topics: Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Xavi, La Liga
Ryan Smart