Could Xavi Hernández stay on as Barcelona head coach? What did vice-president Rafa Yuste say about his future?

Barcelona haven’t given up hope of persuading Xavi Hernández to stay on as head coach beyond the end of the season. At least that’s what vice-president and sporting area director Rafa Yuste strongly hinted at following the LaLiga giants’ Champions League round-of-16 victory over Napoli, which sends them into the quarter-finals for the first time in four years.

Barça vice-president Yuste: “We’ll see what happens. I really like Xavi”

In his pre-match media commitments, Xavi stressed he would be leaving the club on 30 June regardless of what happens between now and then, although Yuste’s words suggest he could come under pressure to reverse the decision he made at the end of January.

“I respect Xavi and his decision. He knows what I think, but we’ll see what happens. I really like Xavi,” Yuste said following Tuesday’s last-16 victory over the Italians. Sporting director Deco has previously said Barça are on the lookout for a new manager but they would “assess the situation” if the former Spain midfielder changes his mind.

Ter Stegen keen for Xavi to continue as Barcelona coach

While some of Xavi’s comments have focused on his “end date” as Barça boss, he also stated that now is not the time to think about his or the club’s future. Some therefore believe he could persuaded to remain in his post, particularly if the Catalans continue to progress in the Champions League.

After defeating Napoli, Xavi said “nothing changes” and revealed his pride at how the team has reacted to the announcement he would be stepping down. “People didn’t believe me, they said I was going to lose the dressing room, that they wouldn’t take a step forward. We have received a lot of unfair criticism”.

Senior figures within the playing roster, meanwhile would be happy to see the current coach carry on. “In my view, it’s a shame he is leaving,” said goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, who has insisted the players take responsibility for Xavi making the decision in the first place. Could a U-turn be coming?