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Diego Simeone hits back at Xavi's style criticism: He 'doesn't understand' life outside Barcelona

Diego Simeone has hit out at Xavi Hernandez's criticism of Atletico Madrid's playing style, saying his opposite number "doesn't understand" life outside of Barcelona.

Barca host champions Atletico at Camp Nou on Sunday with just a point separating the two teams in the LaLiga table, as they battle for a place in the top four.

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In a pre-match news conference on Saturday, Simeone appeared stung by comments Xavi -- known as a fierce defender of Barca's footballing philosophy -- had made about his Atletico team years earlier.