Barcelona manager Xavi insists his side can still fight Real Madrid for the La Liga title in the final stretch of the season.

Since he confirmed his departure from the club at the end of the season, Xavi’s side have been in electric form, going unbeaten in their last ten games and scoring plenty of goals, most recently putting three past Atletico Madrid.

Barcelona find themselves eight points behind Real Madrid with nine games of the season remaining, but Xavi believes their title fight remains alive.

“The players have to connect to ‘club mode’, they are no longer with their national teams,” Xavi said ahead of Saturday’s visit from Las Palmas. “There is a lot in the tank for PSG, but we are currently focused on La Liga.

“We want and believe we can fight for it. We can put pressure on Real Madrid.”

He continued: “It is difficult to start and disconnect [from the national team]. I have told them that we have to forget that because there are two titles at stake. We want to continue the positive dynamic. It is a very important match to continue fighting for La Liga.”

Barcelona’s upturn in form has seen many call for Xavi to remain at the club beyond this summer, with even president Joan Laporta publicly admitting he would like to see Xavi continue in his role.

“I’m grateful that they want me to continue, to the president, to Deco, to everyone,” he said about his future.

“I think nothing changes. I think about what’s best for the club.”