Laliga: Xavi Makes U-turn, To Remain Barcelona Coach

Xavi will remain as coach of Barcelona, the club told reporters, despite having announced in January that he planned to quit at the end of the season.

Reports say that the 44-year-old, who had signed a contract extension until 2025 last autumn, decided on his dramatic change of mind after a day of meetings with club president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco.

Xavi's decision comes just a week after Barcelona were knocked out of the Champions League in the quarterfinals by Paris Saint-Germain.

On Sunday, the defending champions fell 11 points behind Real Madrid in LaLiga's title race following a 3-2 Clasico defeat to their bitter rivals.

Former Barcelona midfielder Xavi said he felt "liberated" when he made his decision to stand down.

He had repeatedly said the job was his "dream" but admitted the pressure of the role eventually proved too much.