Ernesto Valverde has insisted he still feels supported by the club after coming in for criticism in the wake of an unexpected midweek loss to Leganes.
However, talk over a new deal has been replaced by discussions over his short-term future following a disappointing week which saw Barca give up their 100 percent start to the season.
“Of course I feel backed [by the club],” he said in a news conference on Friday before adding that he is “feeling fine” despite the scrutiny he has been under.
Barca went unbeaten until the penultimate game of last season, but the Leganes defeat came just six games into the new campaign.
Valverde has been the target of much of the criticism which has followed but the players have also had their attitude during the game called into question.
“People are free to think what they want,” Valverde said when that was put to him. “I won’t get involved. I know there’s an open bar when we lose and anything goes, but that doesn’t worry me.
“My team has always shown an extraordinary attitude. From there, we all make mistakes — the players and me.
“There were spells against Leganes when we played well, just like there were moments in the win against PSV [Eindhoven] which we think need improving. I don’t think there’s too much difference from one week to the next.”
Barca have the chance to put things right on Saturday when they host Valverde’s former side, Athletic Bilbao, at Camp Nou.
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