Football: Xavi hopes Guardiola will stay

BARCELONA: Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez echoed the sentiments expressed by teammate Lionel Messi regarding reports that manager Pep Guardiola could leave the club. Despite his eventful reign at the Catalan outfit, Guardiola has not ruled out a move away from the European champions with his contract to expire at the end of the current season. Xavi, however, is hopeful of a different outcome. “The players are not ready to have a ‘no’ from Guardiola - we’re hoping he’ll stay,” said Xavi. “He is a key element in the Barca system and I see him enjoying himself here.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 15^th, 2012.