Jordi Cruyff has come out in support of Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman, resoundingly rejecting the idea of replacing the under-fire Dutchman.

Cruyff, son of club legend Johan, represented Barcelona and Manchester United in his playing days and was named sporting advisor for the Spanish giants in June.

And the 47-year-old told Sport that despite Koeman’s underwhelming first season in charge, his ‘principles’ meant he would not get rid of the former Everton boss.

He said: ‘Not in my head, nor that of Barcelona’s is the idea of replacing Koeman.

‘It would seem very ugly to me, I have principles. The possibility of replacing Koeman has not been hinted at, nor is it part of my plans.

‘I have known Ronald for almost 30 years and he already knows that with me he has someone to help.’

Koeman finished seven points off the pace in LaLiga behind eventual winners Atletico Madrid and was knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16, although the Catalonians did win the Copa del Rey.

Sportsmail reported last month that despite the disappointing campaign, he was handed a lifeline by club chief Joan Laporta, who confirmed he would stay on another season, albeit on a reported pay cut.

‘I’d like to announce that, after a period of reflection, we have decided to continue with Koeman,’ Laporta said.

It has been a tumultuous summer for Barcelona, with former captain and talisman Lionel Messi currently a free agent after his contract expired, and the club unsure if they can re-sign him.

They are desperate to offload a number of players and reduce their wage bill in the midst of a financial crisis exacerbated by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.