Barcelona boss Joan Laporta has said that the club have "the best coach in the world" in the shape of Xavi.

The 42-year-old has been in charge of the Catalan outfit since last November, boasting a record of 34 wins, 11 draws and 12 defeats from his 57 matches at the helm.

Barcelona have again failed to qualify for the knockout round of the Champions League, but they are currently top of La Liga, two points clear of second-placed Real Madrid.

Laporta has said that Xavi has 'exceeded the club's expectations' since his arrival, and the president is certain that the legendary midfielder will help the team return to former glories.

"He has exceeded our expectations. He had plenty of knowledge but we had to see how he would take on a bench like the one at Barca," Laporta told BarcaTV.

"As he has lived so much in the world of Barca he knows it perfectly. It's good to talk to him because he relativises the problems.

"He always transmits optimism. For him, problems can always be solved. He doesn't see anything as impossible. I like talking to him a lot because he has a very clear vision of the club.

"I've seen him very mature for how young he is and to take on a position as Barca coach. I'm delighted with Xavi and I'm very fond of him personally, I'm proud to have a coach like him.

"We need to win titles. I am very lucky to have the best coach in the world. Despite his footballing knowledge, it is very interesting to listen to his reasoning about the club. He's very committed and we share a lot of what is being done.

"I feel very accompanied and supported and we have a lot of confidence in him and his team.

"It's better to face it with titles, I'm mentally aware that we have to fight to win La Liga, for that we have made a lot of effort in all departments and especially Xavi and his staff. Even the players feel they have the ability to do it."

Barcelona were last in action against Osasuna on November 8, recording a 2-1 victory in the La Liga contest to make it four straight wins in all competitions.

Xavi's side, who had a number of players in action at the 2022 World Cup, will return to La Liga action at home to Espanyol on December 31. body check tags ::