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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
1Atletico MadridAtletico19135134122244
2Real Madrid19134243192443
3Barcelona19122551222938
4Athletic Bilbao19106329171236
5Villarreal198653431330
6Mallorca199371921-230
7Real Sociedad198471713428
8GironaGirona198472725228
9Rayo Vallecano196762222025
10Real BetisBetis196762123-225
11Osasuna196762328-525
12Celta Vigo197392830-224
13Sevilla196582128-723
14Las PalmasLas Palmas196492429-522
15Getafe194781316-319
16Leganes194781829-1119
17Espanyol2054111932-1319
18AlavesAlaves1945102131-1017
19Real ValladolidValladolid2043131439-2515
20Valencia1927101829-1113


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