Barcelona coach Xavi insists Rafa Marquez can succeed him.
It's been suggested the Barca Atletic coach is out of the running after opportunistic remarks following Xavi's resignation announcement.
But Xavi insists he didn't take offense from the comments.
He said: "He's a friend.
"Maybe his words were taken out of context or he expressed himself poorly. He's preparing to be Barça's coach. It's legal."
