Barcelona president Joan Laporta says Ronald Koeman's job is safe

Barcelona president Joan Laporta said Saturday that Ronald Koeman's job as head coach of the club is safe, according to ESPN.

"Ronald Koeman will continue as Barca coach, we feel he deserves a certain amount of confidence for many reasons," Laporta said. "He's a Barca fan, a reference for the supporters. He will continue and deserves some confidence.

"Koeman loves Barca and decided to come at a really difficult moment for the club institutionally and sportingly. After speaking with him, I see he has faith in the team, above all when he gets the injured players back. He has a contract (until the summer) and we hope to get back to winning ways and playing well. I am sure he will do everything possible."

Laporta's comments come after Koeman held a news conference Friday before Barca's clash with Atletico Madrid on Sunday, accusing the club of a lack of respect by leaking stories about his future.

According to ESPN, Koeman has been kept on because of the lack of credible alternatives available. However, it was reported earlier this week Barca had stepped up their search for a replacement following a 3-0 loss to Benfica in the Champions League.

Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo, River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo, Belgium boss Roberto Martinez and Xavi Hernandez, who coaches Al-Sadd in Qatar, are reportedly among those who were being considered for the Barca job.

ESPN's Sam Marsden and Moises Llorens reported last month Laporta first considered firing Koeman in the summer. He decided not to after a "period of reflection."

To be fair, Koeman has had to deal with several significant losses this year, including Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann, as Barca has been forced to reduce their wage bill amid financial complications. 

Still, there's no excuse for the losses. And while Laporta says Koeman's job is safe, it certainly doesn't seem that way.