Joao Cancelo insists Xavi's resignation announcement isn't behind Barcelona's form surge.

Barca have dramatically improved since Xavi declared he will step down at the end of the season.

But Cancelo says: “I don't see it that way, especially because the coach has always been good with us. I think if he's not the one who loves the club the most in our team, he'll be one of the ones who loves it the most.

"He's a Barcelona legend and sometimes people forget what he did to be here. He faced the challenge of the club when it was not at the best economic level, in terms of players, and that is to be commended. It's not just when you win that you have to give value. As a player I valued him a lot and, as I have the pleasure of having him as a coach, I appreciate him even more.

"Xavi gave us that relay, because he himself wanted to sacrifice himself so that the team would let loose more."