Xavi blames players for mediocre season

The Catalans ended a second successive season empty-handed. The consequence was that coach Frank Rijkaard was shown the door.

The Dutchman will be replaced by Pep Guardiola, who has been in charge of Barca's B team for the past 12 months.

Xavi believes the players should have put more effort to prevent such outcomes happening.

"We the players feel very guilty about everything that has happened, we think we could have done much more to stop things from coming to this," Xavi said.

"Everybody is responsible for this situation, but the main ones to blame are the players," he was quoted as saying by El Mundo Deportivo.

The 28-year-old was full of praise for Rijkaard, who has won with Barcelona two Primera Liga titles and one Champions League trophy.

"He deserves the very best. He treats people marvelously, he talks about things, he’s kind, and nobody could wish him any harm."

"He sets an example on all levels, as a coach and as a person; he has left his mark on the squad. If he had won things he would have stayed."