Barcelona: confidence in Frank Rijkaard

Spanish club Barcelona - you must have heard of them - denies that Frank Rijkaard will be replaced for next season. Despite the immense pressure on the Dutch coach, the Catalunyan club does not have the intention to part ways. “We specifically would like to stress that we have not decided to replace coach Rijkaard,” a spokesman for the club said.

“Rijkaard has a contract till 2008/09 and the board has the utmost confidence in him.”

Real Madrid has a significant lead over Barca and Ronald Koeman’s Valencia was the stronger team in the National Cup semifinals. Barca does have a good chance of advancing in the Champions League after their win over Schalke 04.