Laporta backs Rijkaard to continue
BARCELONA, Spain -- Barcelona president Joan Laporta says Dutch coach Frank Rijkaard will stay in charge next season regardless of results this campaign.
The Spanish giants, who haven't won a major honor since 1999, are once again stranded in mid-table in the Liga after an unimpressive first half of the season.
But Laporta told Barcelona TV: "Frank will continue as coach even if our aims aren't achieved because we believe he is the best and most competent coach to be in charge."
Rijkaard took charge in July shortly after Laporta's election as club president.
On Monday the club signed Dutch midfielder Edgar Davids on loan from Juventus in a bid to improve the team's performances.
