Sergino Dest has spoken out about his frustrating experience at Barcelona, focussing on former coach Xavi.
Dest, 23, joined Barcelona from Ajax in 2020 but struggled for consistent playing time until Xavi took over in 2021.
In an interview with Diario Sport, Dest expressed his disappointment:
“I wouldn’t say regrets, because how it ended didn’t depend on me, but I don’t feel I had the necessary chances with Xavi.”
“I felt like I had to play with limits; that I could not be myself. I want to join the attack, which is my biggest strength, but he asked me not to go forward.”
Dest also questioned Xavi’s sincerity, saying;
“I don’t think he was honest with me, either. We had several conversations in which he told me one thing, but after, I had doubts whether he really told me the truth.”
“In the summer [of 2023], before going on holiday, he told me: ‘I am counting on you, don’t read the press.’ And as soon as I returned, he told me: ‘You have to go.'”
After loan spells at AC Milan and PSV, Dest permanently joined the Dutch club this summer, seeking a fresh start.
