Barcelona aim to convince Xavi to stay and plan a ‘long-term project’ together

Even though Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez continues to insist that he has no plans to change his mind about leaving the club at the end of the season, the board is not giving up.

Over the past few weeks, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has made it abundantly clear that he wants Xavi to stay on as manager, with the 44-year-old seen as the best fit for the job.

It has been suggested that a meeting will be held after next month’s El Clasico where the club chief will try and convince the former midfielder.

Barcelona VP insists on Xavi’s continuity

Not only Laporta, but now, Barcelona vice-president Rafa Yuste has come out and stated that he hopes to see Xavi stay on as the club have planned a long-term project with him.

The club’s sports vice-president further went on to add that efforts will be made to convince the Barcelona legend, although the final decision will be up to him.

“I hope and wish that he continues here because we are talking about a long-term project with him, not a season or two,” said Yuste, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.

“We’re gonna try to convince Xavi, it’s up to him,” he added.

What has Xavi said?

On Friday, during a press conference, Xavi was asked if he would consider changing his mind and staying on as Barcelona manager beyond the season.

In response, the 44-year-old made it clear that his decision would not change, as he said: “I’ve already told them that I’m very grateful to the staff, personally to me, to the president, to Deco.

“I don’t think anything changes, I think what is best for the club. Nothing changes.”

But with the Blaugrana board seemingly prepared to not spare any efforts to convince him, it remains to be seen if Xavi changes his decision.