Barcelona head coach Xavi has insisted that "nothing has changed" regarding his future, with the 44-year-old still planning to step down from his current role at the end of the campaign.

Following the 5-3 home loss to Villarreal at the end of January, Xavi announced that he would be leaving Barcelona this summer.

The team's form has improved over the last month, though, winning four of their last six matches in all competitions, including a 4-0 success over Getafe in La Liga last time out.

Barcelona sporting director Deco has opened the door for Xavi to stay on as manager beyond the summer, while club president Joan Laporta is also believed to be keen for the ex-midfielder to remain at Camp Nou, at least for another season.

However, speaking ahead of Sunday's La Liga clash with Athletic Bilbao, Xavi said that "nothing has changed" in terms of his future, with the ex-Al Sadd manager still planning to step down at the end of the campaign.

"As of today, nothing has changed. There is no issue. Step by step," he told reporters.

When further pressed on the topic, Xavi responded: "I have already said it. As of today, it's all the same."

Barcelona are currently third in the La Liga table, eight points behind the leaders Real Madrid and eight clear of fifth-placed Athletic, who knocked Atletico Madrid out of the Copa del Rey semi-finals on Thursday courtesy of a 3-0 home success.

Xavi is expecting a tough examination on Sunday, with the Barcelona head coach branding Athletic "the most intense" team in Spain's top flight.

"I haven't seen all the teams, but in La Liga, they are the most intense. And in San Mames they double that intensity," he added during his press conference on Saturday.

"And they also play very good football and that's thanks to [Ernesto] Valverde, who is a great coach. He showed that here at Barca. They are the most physical opponent in every way.

"They recently knocked us out of the cup. They are the most intense opponent in the league. I think they've only lost one game there against Madrid. And they are confident. If we win we'll take a big step forward.

"It's an ideal scenario to match them in intensity, rhythm and soul. Against Getafe we've rediscovered our game. We will have space and it will be a match similar to the one against Getafe.

"They may be affected by fatigue, but they are also in a great state of confidence. They are doing very well... I like to have time to prepare things. When you play every three days, you cannot. Hopefully, they will feel the effects of Thursday's game and will drop in intensity."

Barcelona are believed to be considering Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez as a replacement for Xavi, should he stick with his initial decision to stand down this summer. body check tags ::