Barcelona sports chief Txiki Begiristain has handed coach Frank Rijkaard a vote of confidence after last night's Copa del Rey victory over Alcoyano.

Asked about reports linking Barca with Ernesto Valverde, Begiristain insisted they had no interest in the Espanyol coach and added: "We have absolute confidence in Rijkaard.

"I'm friends with Valverde, but haven't spoken to him for some time."