The 33 year-old played two seasons under Xabi at Bayer, where he struggled to earn a place in the Spaniard's plans.
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Speaking with Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, Hofmann barked: "If he had stayed, I would have asked to be released.
"I expect a coach to tell me clearly if something's wrong. I want open and direct communication."
While acknowledging the Xabi's effectiveness and authority, the former Borussia Mönchengladbach attacker emphasised that a great coach must also know how to communicate with his players.
He also stated: "No more than two weeks should go by without a coach exchanging a few words with his players. It helps keep them motivated and raise the level in training."