Barcelona boss Quique Stein has been told his job is safe - despite the Catalans’ struggled to keep pace with Real Madrid in La Liga’s title race.
Not only that, he has also been told he will be in charge next season, regardless of the outcome of the current campaign.
Ernesto Valverde was sacked in January by president Josep Maria Bartomeu, despite back-to-back titles and with Barca top of the table on goal difference.
Ex-Real Betis boss Stein has attempted to change the club’s style since his arrival, but Los Cules now find themselves four points behind their bitter rivals.
There have been claims that some players aren’t keen on Stein or his methods and that his position could be in question when the campaign draws to a close.
But Bartomeu, who witnessed an outstanding 4-1 win at Villarreal insists he has no regrets over Valverde’s dismissal.
And he says Setien will remain in charge next term.
And he says Setien will remain at the helm.
"Setien will obviously continue,” Bartomeu told radio station Rac1 on Tuesday. “At this moment I'm pretty happy with how the team has evolved and in the last couple of games we have seen the improvements Setien has made.”
He added: “I don't regret the decision to sack Valverde.
“We needed to give the team a boost and Setien has brought new ideas and new sensations with him."
Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s Catalan derby with Espanyol, Setien stated he had never felt under threat, while insisting he was pleased with the football they have been playing.
"I didn't have the feeling things were going to change, I have gotten used to this circus.
"I just do my job and I get the feeling the board are happy with the work we are doing and so am I."
And he also insisted that Lionel Messi and co would keep pushing Zinedine Zidane’s men until their chances of winning the title were over.
"Of course we can still win the league, it's still mathematically possible and we have to keep our hopes up until the last day.”
