Xavi ‘asked to stay on as Barcelona boss by president Joan Laporta’ despite announcing he will step down at the end of the season… as the Catalan giants struggle to find a successor

Xavi has reportedly been asked to stay on as Barcelona head coach despite announcing he will step down at the end of the season.

The 44-year-old confirmed last month that he will quit in the summer, declaring he had made his decision ‘some time ago’.

‘I’ll go even if we win the Champions League,’ Xavi said following a 5-3 at home to Villarreal.

Xavi’s decision came after reports Barcelona’s sporting director Deco was rumoured to be keen on replacing Xavi with B-team coach Rafa Marquez.

Barcelona are reportedly attempting to convince Xavi to stay on beyond the end of the season

President Joan Laporta has reportedly made an informal approach to attempt to convince Xavi

According to the Barcelona based newspaper Sport, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has not given up hope of convincing Xavi to stay on.

Laporta and sports vice president, Rafa Yuste, have reportedly made informal approaches to Xavi to convince club legend to see out his contract, which expires in the summer of 2025.

Their efforts to convince Xavi to stay come with the Catalan giants having reportedly found it difficult to find a successor.

Barcelona’s top targets are claimed to have turned down the role, with the club’s ability to strengthen the squad restricted by their ongoing financial challenges.

Concerns have reportedly been expressed about the pressure on coaches to win titles, despite being restricted in their ability to reshape the squad.

Xavi, who led Barcelona to the La Liga title last season, has played down suggestions he could continue as head coach beyond the end of the season.

He insisted following their 4-0 win over Granada last weekend that he had ‘no regrets’ about his decision to leave. 

‘I think it is absolutely the correct call,’ Xavi said, as reported by ESPN.

Xavi has claimed his decision to leave will not be changed by Barcelona’s upturn in form

‘The team have stepped forward since I made it and the players have shown level they have [against Getafe] and in previous games.

‘I am really grateful the fans chant my name, but I am convinced my decision is the correct one for the club. The fans have always been on my side and, from the heart, I really appreciate it.’

Barcelona have enjoyed a recent upturn in form, but remain third in LaLiga and are eight points behind leaders Real Madrid.

Xavi’s side remain in the Champions League and drew the first leg of their last-16 tie 1-1 with Napoli.