Ronald Koeman is adamant Barcelona haven't improved since he was sacked and replaced by Xavi.

Koeman spoke to the Spanish media today for the first time since his dismissal.

He said, "It is true that the situation of Barça, of the team, of the club, is the same as when I was there.

"That means that changing a coach is not always something that means you improve. The only thing I ask is that they support Xavi. A coach is not to blame. That they give him the support that I have not had.

"I hope that the president has learned from that and that he supports Xavi. The club's situation is very sad because it hurts me. I still live in Barcelona; I will be the coach of the Netherlands from January. But I ask for the maximum support for Xavi because he is a legend, someone from the house. And he is not to blame for Barça being in this situation."

Koeman also said: "When I left, Barça was 8 points away (from first place) ... now it's almost double."