Barcelona midfielder Xavi says Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho was very influential in his early career.

"I had almost three years with him when he was an assistant for (Louis) Van Gaal," recalled Xavi. "I learned a lot from him.

"Along with (Pep) Guardiola, they appear to have an obsession with work. These two are football mad.

"Perhaps Mourinho is more attentive to the defensive, while Pep is more romantic, also wants to play well to win. He's the best coach I've ever had."