Barcelona chief provides update on club's managerial plans

At the end of January, Xavi announced that he would be standing down as manager of the Catalan giants this summer, insisting that it would be best for both parties to part ways.

However, Barcelona sporting director Deco has said on multiple occasions that the door is still open for Xavi to stay, while president Joan Laporta is believed to be desperate to keep him.

Since the surprise announcement, the La Liga champions have won eight of their 11 matches in all competitions, remaining unbeaten in the process.

Barcelona are now just five points behind La Liga leaders Real Madrid in the table, while they are preparing to take on Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Xavi said on Friday that he is still planning to stand down as manager at the end of the season.

However, Yuste has revealed that he is working to keep hold of the 44-year-old, who is wanted as part of «a long-term project» at Camp Nou.

«Xavi knows what we want. It's his personal decision, what I'm going to do as far as I can is try to convince him to continue,» Yuste told reporters.

«I think we have to let him enjoy himself, there's still a long way to go in La Liga and also the Champions League, but he's a coach who comes from La Masia and I hope and wish that he continues.

»We are thinking about a long-term project led by him and we have a team to do great things in the future. We're not talking about one or two seasons."

Barcelona made it four straight wins in all competitions