When Spain and Barcelona Legend Xavi Hernandez Claimed Euros Is Harder Than the FIFA World Cup

• Xavi Hernandez has weighed in on the level of difficulty in the European Championship and the World Cup
• He won 32 trophies in his career, making him the second-most decorated Spanish player in history behind former Barca teammate Andres Iniesta
• Currently managing Barcelona, Xavi is on the cusp of helping his former side break their La Liga title drought this campaign

Spain and FC Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez once claimed the European Championship is harder to win than the FIFA World Cup.

Xavi represented La Roja at the World Cup and the European Championship, enjoying impressive success in both competitions.

Both tournaments are held in a four-year interval, but the retired midfielder-turned-manager argued the level of competition at the World Cup was less intense in direct comparison to the Euros.

Euros vs World Cup

He played an integral role in Spain's 2010 World Cup triumph as well as enjoying success in Euro 2008 and helping his nation defend the trophy four years later.

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Putting both competitions on a scale, the 43-year-old believes the Euros presents a higher level of difficulty as compared to the World Cup, which is touted by many as the biggest sporting showpiece on earth.

"The European Championship is harder than the World Cup, more intense," he said, as quoted by ESPN.

"There are no Cinderellas. In the World Cup, with all respect, you can face Honduras or Saudi Arabia. In the Euros, anyone can beat you," Xavi insisted.

Xavi's World Cup experience

The former Spain midfielder represented La Roja at four World Cups, including winning the competition in 2010.

He proved to be the heartbeat of the victorious 2010 squad, providing the most accurate passes with a passing success rate of 91 per cent, per Wikipedia.

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Xavi at the Euros

The current Barcelona coach featured at three European Championships - 2004, 2008 and 2012.

Xavi inspired Vicente del Bosque's side to victories at the 2008 and 2012 editions. He was named Euro 2008's player of the tournament after Spain pipped Germany to their maiden international trophy.

Xavi showers praise on Guardiola

Sports Brief previously reported that Xavi had high praise for Pep Guardiola, who he described as an inspiration and the best coach by far.

Xavi and Guardiola were once teammates, and the Barcelona manager also played under his countryman at the Catalan club.

As a result, they've developed a close friendship over the years. Guardiola even had high praise for Xavi when the latter was appointed as Barcelona's manager.