Xavi fears Guardiola exit

Barcelona midfielder Xavi admitted on Tuesday that the club's players fear coach Pep Guardiola will decide not to renew his contract with the European champions. "We're not ready to have a 'no' from Guardiola. We're hoping he'll stay," said the Spanish international. "Guardiola is a key element in the Barca system. I see him satisfied, enjoying himself. He continues to be as competitive as ever but the decision in the end is his. Personally, I think he will renew his contract." Uncertainty continues to surround the future of Guardiola, who is out of contract in the summer and has not yet committed to a new deal after a glittering three and a half years in charge at Camp Nou. Barca star Lionel Messi insisted on Monday that Guardiola was "more important" to the Catalan club than him, a day after taking his tally for the season to 50 goals.