Barcelona boss Joan Laporta has lavished praise on Xavi for his work since arriving as head coach.

The legendary midfielder was appointed the Catalan club's new manager last November, and he has taken charge of 22 matches, boasting a record of 12 wins, six draws and four defeats.

Barcelona have won each of their last four matches in all competitions during an impressive run, while they are unbeaten in La Liga since the start of December, which has allowed them to move into third spot in the table.

Laporta is "convinced" that Xavi will be in charge of the club "for many years to come" and is confident that the Spaniard will be able to take the team back to the top of European and Spanish football.

"Xavi has responded magnificently well to the opportunity that Barcelona have given him because he is a coach who knows the club, who loves the club, who respects the club's decisions and who has the personality not to be influenced," Laporta told Barcelona's official media.

"He is clear about how we have to play and he is a hard worker, he loves football and that makes him live constantly what Barcelona is and what the team is. I'm very happy to have a coach like Xavi. I am convinced that he is a coach for many years to come and that he will give us a lot of joy."

Barcelona will be looking to make it five straight wins in all competitions when they take on Galatasaray in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday night. body check tags ::