Xavi teases reversal of Barcelona exit decision

Xavi has hinted that he could walk back on his decision to step down as Barcelona manager at the end of the season.

Back in January, the former midfielder admitted he will leave Barcelona this summer at a time in which a miserable run of form had many calling for him to be sacked immediately, but a major upturn in form has since seen many call for Xavi to stay on at Camp Nou next season.

Despite public pleas from club officials and players, Xavi recently stressed his decision would not change. However, recent reports have suggested the door remains open and there have even been claims that Xavi is due to meet club president Joan Laporta this coming week to discuss a possible extension.

Asked about the rumours, Xavi dismissed the idea of a meeting but left fans guessing with a cryptic statement.

"There is no meeting [about my future] next week," he stressed. "Nobody has called me. But the important thing is the club, not me. And now we are playing for La Liga.

"There will be time to talk, if it should be talked about."

It was a notable change in tone from Xavi, who has usually been very firm with his insistence that he will not stay on as Barcelona manager beyond this season.

After his announcement back in January, Barcelona enjoyed a run of 13 games without defeat - form Xavi attributed to his decision to leave - before Paris Saint-Germain ended the high spirits with a devastating 4-1 victory in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.

Next up for Barcelona is the small matter of a trip to the Santiago Bernabeu to face Real Madrid, whose advantage at the top of the La Liga standings would be cut to just five points if Xavi's side can come out on top.

"For us it is the most important game of the season," Xavi confessed. "You have to win and put pressure on the leader. "We are going to try to compete and win at the Bernabeu."

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