da pinnacle: Barcelona vice-president Rafa Yuste will attempt to convince head coach Xavi to change his mind about leaving the club at the end of the season.
da jogodeouro: Article continues below
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Xavi announced imminent departureBarca unbeaten since his decisionYuste wants coach to change his mindWHAT HAPPENED?
Xavi announced in late January that he will step down at the end of the season after less than three years in charge. The announcement came after a 5-3 home loss to Villarreal amid a rough run of results that resulted in the coach being heavily criticised in the press.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Since his decision was revealed, Barca have not lost any of the 11 matches they have played in all competitions, lifting them to second in La Liga and through to the Champions League quarter-finals. With the club yet to name a successor, Yuste says the Catalan side hope to convince him to stay.
WHAT RAFA YUSTE SAID
The vice-president said: "I'm going to try to convince Xavi but it's a personal decision for him. There are still league games left, the Champions League… we have to let him enjoy it. I hope and wish that he continues because we are talking about a project, not a season or two."
Angel Martinez/Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?
With Real Madrid sitting eight points clear, Barca's hopes of defending their La Liga title this season seem slim. The Blaugrana could, however, manage to go all the way in the Champions League and face Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their last-eight tie on April 10.