Barcelona president wants to retire with Rijkaard

Spanish news site El Confidencial claims that Barcelona president Joan Laporta wants to become one of the few Barcelona presidents who never dismissed a manager (read more here). Laporta has therefore slowed down the negotiations with former Chelsea manager José Mourinho (45) to become the successor of current Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard (45) as of next season, although the first talks with the Portuguese in January were held with the president's approval. Nevertheless, it is clear to everybody, also to Laporta, that Rijkaard will only be able to stay in charge if Barcelona wins the Champions League or the Liga this season.

The newly elected Barcelona board appointed Frank Rijkaard as manager in the summer of 2003. The Laporta presidency will end in 2010.

(read more on the manager debate here)