Koeman Given Vote Of Confidence By Laporta

An underwhelming start to the season has seen Koeman's position called into question and his relationship with Laporta is reportedly an uneasy one.

Barcelona have started the La Liga season with mixed results, recording three wins and three draws in their opening six games ahead of Saturday's encounter with champions Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium.

However, their European form has been dreadful. After two matchdays in the Champions League, Barcelona have lost 3-0 each to Bayern Munich and Benfica.

The Camp Nou outfit are still reeling from the financial chaos that forced the exit of Lionel Messi to Paris Saint Germain in the summer.

Injuries to key players have also not helped matters but Laporta is adamant that Koeman needs to be supported to take the club through a difficult period.

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.”

He added: “When our injured players recover, we will have more of an edge.

“[Koeman] has had moments of discouragement but he has recovered his spirit and now that our injured players are recovering, he deserves to have time and our confidence." 

“It has been said that we have a cold relationship and that is not true,” Laporta asserted. “We have a good, sincere relationship. He is a good person and I believe that he thinks the same of me. 

“We are all trying to make things happen for the better.”