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Josep Maria Bartomeu gives full backing for Quique Setien to stay on at Barcelona

Under-fire Barcelona boss Quique Setien is assured by president Josep Maria Bartomeu that his job is not under immediate threat.

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has insisted that he "does not regret" sacking Ernesto Valverde and has given his full backing to under-fire replacement Quique Setien.

The pressure has been building on Setien after a run of two wins in five matches, leaving the reigning La Liga champions four points adrift of leaders Real Madrid.

The 61-year-old was only appointed as Valverde's successor in January, however, and Bartomeu is pleased with the progress Barca have made during his short tenure.

"He will continue, evidently," Bartomeu told RAC1."I'm happy with the progress of the team; in the last two games you have seen progress. First we try to win the league and then the Champions League.

"I don't regret the change with Valverde, we needed an impulse; Setien has brought in fresh air, an impulse.

"The squad is being renewed, the current players are doing well. Sergio Busquets, [Gerard] Pique, Luis Suarez, [Lionel] Messi, they are doing well; the mix of youngsters - Pedri, [Francisco] Trincao - and veterans is very good."

Barca are back in action on Wednesday with a home match against city rivals Espanyol, who sit bottom of the table.

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Daniel Lewis
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid19134243192443
2Atletico MadridAtletico18125133122141
3Barcelona19122551222938
4Athletic Bilbao19106329171236
5Villarreal188643430430
6Mallorca199371921-230
7Real Sociedad187471613325
8GironaGirona187472625125
9Real BetisBetis186752122-125
10Osasuna186752327-425
11Celta Vigo187382728-124
12Rayo Vallecano185762021-122
13Las PalmasLas Palmas186482327-422
14Sevilla186482027-722
15Leganes184681728-1118
16AlavesAlaves184592130-917
17Getafe183781115-416
18Espanyol1843111630-1415
19Valencia1826101728-1112
20Real ValladolidValladolid1833121237-2512


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