FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta including the top management have repeatedly asked head coach Xavi Hernandez to reconsider leaving plans, reported Spanish news outlet SPORT on Wednesday,
Barcelona are currently in search of a new manager, but there are voices within the club advocating to retain Xavi.
Xavi cited the decision as a means to alleviate pressure on his players and expressed the need for change within the club to progress. Since then, there has been some improvement, although Barcelona still lag eight points behind Real Madrid.
As Sporting Director Deco strives to narrow down Barcelona's managerial shortlist, it appears the search is proving challenging. Given the club's financial constraints, their plans for the summer and the transfer market remain uncertain, but there remains a desire to secure silverware next season.
According to SPORT, Laporta has informally approached Xavi to persuade him to stay on, emphasising that fulfilling the final year of his contract would benefit the club.
Vice-President Rafael Yuste has also expressed a preference for Xavi's continuity. They believe the dressing room supports him, and given his understanding of the club and their circumstances, it would be advantageous.
It is worth mentioning that many of the potential candidates come from backgrounds outside of Barcelona, and without that intrinsic connection, convincing top managers to join amid the club's financial challenges could prove difficult.
Remember, Xavi was under hot waters ever since the Blaugrana suffered a humiliating 4-1 loss against arch-rivals Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup in January.
The team was then knocked out of Copa del Rey (CDR) after losing to Athletic Bilbao 4-2 in the same month and the loss against the Yellow Submarines turned out to be the final straw for the former midfielder.
"From June 30, I will not continue as Barca coach. As a Barca fan, I believe the club needs a change of dynamic," Xavi said in a post-match press conference. "I've been a man of the club. I've prioritised it above even myself. I've given everything I have."