Xavi responds to rumours of Barcelona exit & Joan Laporta rift

Barcelona manager Xavi insists he has received no indication that he could be sacked this summer.

The boss is understood to have frustrated club president Joan Laporta with recent comments about the club's transfer strategy and inability to compete with Real Madrid, with some reports even going as far as to claim the decision has already been made to sack Xavi at the end of the season.

Asked about the speculation, Xavi told a press conference on Saturday that he did not believe there to be any truth in the rumours he is on the cusp of being sacked.

"I can't tell you more than that the club gives me peace of mind, and I have the same desire to face this season and the next," he said. "I can't say more. Nothing has changed.

"I'm not interested in the stories. I see the information, but it doesn't interest me. The president's confidence is intact, and that of Deco. The media has to write and publish things.

"I am in permanent contact [with Laporta] and if we have to talk, we will talk. Everything is like three weeks ago when we announced my continuity. If there is any change, we will tell you. We haven't talked about anything. I can't say anything other than what the club conveys to me, which is confidence and enthusiasm."

Not only did Xavi stress his belief that he will continue, but he made it clear that he still wants to remain in charge beyond this season.

"There is no doubt that things can go well with me as coach," he said. "I have an extraordinary base in the squad and with people from home.

"Next year, we can compete better than this one. My desire, enthusiasm and ambition are intact."

However, Xavi did end with a frustrated statement which bore similarity to his message when he first announced his plan to step down, admitting he was not surprised to see the Barcelona manager faced with this sort of situation.

"I don't know if I deserve this," he explained. "I don't focus on whether I deserve it. This is Barca and these things usually happen.

"I am answering things that the media write. This has not been conveyed to me. They have conveyed peace of mind to me."

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