FC Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman thanked club president Joan Laporta for giving him a vote of confidence but it was another difficult day for the Catalan club as they lost 2-0 to Atletico Madrid.

Laporta said on Saturday, before their defeat to Atletico, that he had spoken to Koeman and the Dutchman deserved time to change the club’s fortunes around after a stuttering start to the season.

“It’s important and well done for his part because if everything isn’t clear in this sense then it’s difficult to work and have the kind of calm you need to try and make the changes we are trying to implement,” Koeman said.

“We know how it is from today (Saturday) moving forward... We spoke last night (Friday) on the phone and then again this morning.”