Txiki Beguiristain has rejected rumours that coach Frank
Rijkaard and Ronaldinho could be leaving Barcelona. Reports have
claimed that Rijkaard has been considering his future at Camp Nou
and was being lined up for a job at Chelsea.
Former Blues boss Jose Mourinho was also mooted as the Dutchman's
replacement in Barcelona, but the club's sporting director
Beguiristain has dismissed the speculation. "It's not true,"
Beguiristain told Sky Sports News. "We are very, very happy with
him.
"We recognise that Frank is so important for us and, with him as
coach, we got the best results. "We were champions in the
championship and we were champions in the Champions League, so we
are happy with him and we will keep him."
Barca playmaker Ronaldinho has been linked with a January switch to
the Premier League, with Chelsea and Manchester United rumoured to
be interested. But though the Brazilian has struggled for form this
season, Beguiristain confirmed the club are not looking to sell in
the New Year.
He added: "About Ronaldinho, we are happy with him. Of course, it's
not an easy moment for him. "But we know he will fight to come
again and, if he comes again, it won't be any problem to stay with
him. "He is not for sale. We always say he wants to stay in
Barcelona and he is very happy in Barcelona, and while he's
thinking the same, he will stay with us."