Barcelona vice president of sport Marc Ingla has praised Jose Mourinho, but insisted that the Blaugrana are more than happy with current coach Frank Rijkaard.

Rijkaard Stays

Recent rumours in Spanish media had suggested that the former Milan midfielder’s days at Camp Nou were numbered and that Jose Mourinho could take over at the Catalan club.

However, life has since come a full circle at Camp Nou. Barcelona are back in the title race, and in fact looking like favourites given Real Madrid’s jitters. They are in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey, and in pole position to get past Celtic in the Champions League.

No surprises then, that the Mourinho links have been put on the back burner.

“Mourinho is a great coach, but we are very happy with Rijkaard,” Ingla said on Spanish Radio.

“The work he has put in and the form of the team is excellent. There is no list of coaches lined up to replace Rijkaard.

“This group already has enough quality in it.”

Ronaldinho Stays, Hopefully

Ingla also said he hopes that Ronaldinho — whose future in Catalunya is uncertain — will at the very least see out his contract, which expires in two years.

“We hope Ronaldinho can fulfil his contract which runs until 2010 and if he continues producing then we will even look at the possibilities of extending it,” he said.

Of course, realistically, it is very unlikely that Barcelona will allow the contract to run out. Many believe that unless he signs an extension by June, he will probably be on the way out of the club.

However, things are looking a lot better for the club, and for the Brazilian, of late.

The Blaugrana are now just two points off league leaders Real Madrid after Los Merengues lost at home to local rivals Getafe. They won their game against Levante 5-1 to reignite the title race as we head into the end of season run-in for the title.

Rijkaard’s men could overtake Madrid at the top if they beat Atletico, and if Los Merengues lose away to Recreativo this weekend.