Barcelona's 'plan' to convince Xavi to stay on as manager revealed

Barcelona remain confident in their ability to convince head coach Xavi to stay and are devising a 'plan' to aid their efforts, according to reports in Spain.

Barca have been clear on their wishes to keep Xavi on, hoping under the right circumstances he will change his mind. Since announcing his departure, the team have been nearly unstoppable, reaching the Champions League quarter-finals and are currently boasting an 11-match unbeaten run.

Club president Joan Laporta is keen to persuade Xavi to stay, but will wait until the end of the season to learn of the coach's decision.

Mundo Deportivo state that Laporta believes if the team do well in La Liga and the Champions League, Xavi may just change his mind about leaving. Laporta is prepared to be patient with the situation as he thinks the coach could do fantastic things with the current players.

Laporta wishes to extend Xavi's contract until 2025, and potentially 2026 if things go well. They plan to make a few new signings this summer to strengthen the team and increase their chances of keeping the 44-year-old.

But Xavi seems set on his decision to leave unless something extraordinary makes him reconsider. A strong title fight and deep European run may be enough to sway him, but Barcelona will need to assure transfer funds will be available in order to consider continuing.

Xavi will not want a repeat of last summer where deals fell through because the club didn't have the requisite funds. If there is not clear evidence the club can afford to build a great team, then he will not stay, regardless of how the rest of the season plays out.

The decision will ultimately be in the hands of the Spanish boss, but Barcelona will not back down in their fight to keep their manager.

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