Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain handed coach Frank Rijkaard a vote of confidence yesterday - despite Saturday's defeat to Atletico Madrid leaving them five points behind Liga leaders Real Madrid.

Begiristain said: "We continue as we always do. Planning for the future is being done with him, with optimism, but knowing that also things must improve."

Asked about ex-Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, Begiristain added: "Mourinho is not someone worth speaking about right now. We could speak about many others capable of coaching Barca."