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With Atleti heavy favourites to beat the Blaugrana on Saturday, many had assumed the Camp Nou dugout would be cleared out and a new face installed.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta says that Ronald Koeman will not be sacked any time soon, insisting that the Dutchman deserves time and the club's confidence that he can turn things around.

A dreadful start to the season has led to calls for the coach to be dismissed, with poor results in La Liga and the Champions League contributing to fan unrest.

Speculation regarding who could take over in the Camp Nou dugout has been rife as a result, but Laporta has claimed that Koeman will be given more time – at least in the short term – to get Barca competing at a high level once again.

What has been said?

Speaking ahead of a daunting clash against Atletico Madrid, Laporta said: “Ronald Koeman will continue as the coach of Barca, he deserves a margin of confidence. Koeman is a cule and a reference point for Barcelona. 

“I have spoken with him and I have drawn my conclusions. I really appreciate that he is leading Barca at a time of difficulty.”