Iniesta supports Guardiola stay

Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta said that he wants coach Pep Guardiola to stay on at the helm of the European and Spanish champions.

Star attacker Lionel Messi had earlier supported talk of a contract extension for the 41-year-old Guardiola, and Iniesta has added that he hoped the Catalan boss would remain at Camp Nou for a prolonged period.

“I hope that he renews and that he stays with us for a long time. He has to decide and he knows that the team wants him to stay. That’s everyone’s wish. Guardiola is eager. We have a lot of beautiful things still yet to see,” Iniesta told the club’s official website.

Iniesta added that their 5-1 La Liga win over Valencia on Sunday was a result Barca should aim to replicate, if they are to reel in runaway leaders Real Madrid.

“We always try to offer up a good performance. The truth is that we have to keep on winning three points each game and hope that Real Madrid falter. The team need to play like this to aspire to the three titles,” he said.

Barcelona sit second in La Liga with 51 points from 23 games, 10 points behind Madrid.