Guardiola likely to stay - Xavi

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola should agree a contract extension that would keep him with the Spanish and European champions beyond this season, midfielder Xavi said. Guardiola has yet to commit to a new deal and president Joan Laporta said on Monday...

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola should agree a contract extension that would keep him with the Spanish and European champions beyond this season, midfielder Xavi said.

Guardiola has yet to commit to a new deal and president Joan Laporta said on Monday the La Liga club were resigned to rivals trying to lure away the 39-year-old, who led Barca to an unprecedented six trophies in 2009.

"I can't imagine a Barca without Guardiola," Spain international Xavi said.

"He is a fundamental cog in this machine and I think his contract renewal is imminent but it depends on him," he added.

Laporta has said Guardiola should decide by the beginning of April whether he planned to stay on and that he also wanted sporting director Txiki Begiristain to agree a new deal.

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