The 38-year-old former club captain signed a two-year deal to coach his boyhood team 18 months ago and has overseen an unprecedented run of success, culminating in Club World Cup glory - the sixth trophy of his reign - last weekend.

However, he has so far not put pen to paper on a new deal, despite repeated efforts by Laporta, and is said to be wary of committing his long-term future to the club before he knows the outcome of next year's presidential elections.

"Pep needs adequate time to reflect and come to a decision that is very important in a person's life," Laporta said in an interview to be screened on Barca TV tonight.

"He has managed for the best time in the history of Barca. He realises that he has the responsibility to keep winning.

"For him, this renewal is a vital issue and not (related to) sports and family life, ie you must have the conviction that we can keep winning."