Xavi asks for time as Barcelona continue efforts to convince him to stay

In late January, Xavi Hernandez dropped a huge bombshell, announcing that he would leave the club at the end of the season.

The announcement came after a harrowing 3-5 home defeat to Villarreal, following which the manager felt there was a need for change.

Fast forward to April, though, Barça have strung together an 11-game unbeaten record across all competitions, moving to second place in La Liga and qualifying for the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.

It has convinced the Barcelona board, led by club president Joan Laporta, that Xavi is the right man for the job and all efforts are now being made to convince him to stay.

Xavi asks for time

Up until now, Xavi has been insistent that he does not intend to change his decision and will leave Barcelona once the season is over.

However, now, as per an update from Fabrizio Romano, there may be some hope for Barça that the Spanish tactician could change his mind.

Will Xavi stay? (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Indeed, the report states that Xavi has asked for time to think about his future. For now, the manager wants to stay focused on the team and the challenges ahead in the form of La Liga and the Champions League.

The relationship between Xavi and Laporta continues to be excellent and the club president is trying in every possible way to convince the former midfielder to continue.

As such, Barcelona are prepared to wait for Xavi to take his time and reconsider his situation.

What if the answer is the same?

In case Xavi does not change his mind, Barcelona have been looking at several possible options as possible replacements.

Barça Atletic boss Rafa Marquez is starting to emerge as a strong candidate to take over the first team despite other names like Hansi Flick, Thomas Tuchel, and Roberto De Zerbi being linked.

But the primary objective remains to convince Xavi, which could become a reality, as the locker room also believes that the manager could change his mind.