Barca reject Rijkaard rumours

Spanish giants keep faith with Dutchman

Last updated: 3rd April 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Barca reject Rijkaard rumours

Rijkaard: Under pressure

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Barcelona have rejected reports that they will axe under-fire coach Frank Rijkaard at the end of the season.

The Catalan titans have endured a mixed season as they have struggled to keep pace with Real Madrid at the top of La Liga, with the UEFA Champions League offering them their best chance of silverware.

Rijkaard's future at Camp Nou has been the subject of constant speculation with the likes of Jose Mourinho linked with a possible move to Barca.

Fresh reports in Spain earlier this week suggested reserve-team coach and former Barca star Pep Guardiola was being lined up to replace Rijkaard.

However, Barca have moved quickly to deny the rumours and insist they have no plans to remove Rijkaard.

Denial

"FC Barcelona emphatically denies that a decision has been taken to replace the football coach, Frank Rijkaard, for the next season," read a club statement.

"The Dutch manager has a contract until the 2009 season and the board of directors has complete confidence in him," it added.