Gerard Pique has said that the Barcelona squad are desperate for Ernesto Valverde to continue as head coach.

Valverde landed a La Liga and Copa del Rey double during his first season in charge of Barcelona and the Catalan giants are on course for another successful campaign.

Indeed, Sunday's 2-1 win over Getafe moved them five points clear at the top of La Liga, while they are through to the latter stages of both the Champions League and Copa del Rey.

Valverde's future is far from secure, however, with the Spaniard's contract due to expire at the end of next season and both parties having the option to terminate the deal this summer.

The manager admitted last week that he 'does not know' whether he will be in charge of the club next season, but Pique is hopeful that is the case.

"It's a decision that he will make and we will respect because he is the coach," Pique told reporters. "We would be delighted if he decided to continue and he is doing a magnificent job.

"He brings calmness and he is producing results and showing that his way works."

Barcelona will face Levante in the first leg of their last-16 Copa del Rey clash on Thursday night.