Barcelona's manager refused to answer questions from the press as rumors swirl that the club wants to sack him, but can't afford to

• FC Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman refused to take questions at a press conference on Wednesday.
• Instead, he read a statement asking the fans for their patience as the club struggles on and off the pitch.
• Rumors are swirling that Barcelona wants to sack Koeman, but can't afford to do so.

FC Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman refused to take questions at a press conference on Wednesday and instead read a statement asking the fans for their patience as the Spanish giant continues to lurch from crisis to crisis.

Hampered by the departure of Lionel Messi, injuries, and crushing $1.4 billion debt, Barcelona has endured a difficult start to the new season, winning just two of its five matches.

In its last two matches, it was beaten 3-0 by Bayern Munich in the Champions League, before drawing to minnows Granada in La Liga.

Pressure has begun to mount on Koeman, with Goal reporting that the Catalan giant already has plans to sack him, but can't afford to do so until October.

Speaking ahead of Barcelona's clash with Cadiz on Thursday, however, the Dutch boss said the club trusted him to lead the team through a period of transition.

"The club with me as coach is in a situation of rebuilding," Koeman said.

"The financial situation of the club is connected to the sporting activities and vice versa. This means we as a team have to rebuild the team without being able to make any big financial investments. This needs time.

"The young talent today could be the next big world stars in just a few years. To rebuild this team, young players will be given opportunities like Xavi and [Andres] Iniesta had in their day. But we must ask for patience."

The 58-year-old went on to add that the club's fans must also be realistic with their expectations for the team this season.

"Achieving a high ranking in La Liga is a great success," he said. "In the Champions League, we can't hope for miracles. The defeat by Bayern Munich last week has to be analyzed with that perspective.

"The process we're in now with the staff and the team deserves unconditional support, in words and actions. I know the press recognizes this process.

"It's not the first time in Barcelona's history this has happened. We count on your support in these difficult times."

Koeman's statement came just a day after club president Joan Laporta addressed supporters with a video message on Twitter.

"I ask you to keep supporting our team," said Laporta. "The team needs you and is thankful for you. You know we are living in difficult moments. These are the moments you need to stand by us."