Ronald Koeman could save Barcelona job by beating Atletico Madrid?

Barcelona could reportedly decide against sacking head coach Ronald Koeman if the Dutchman delivers a victory over Atletico Madrid in Saturday's La Liga contest.

The 3-0 defeat to Benfica in the Champions League has piled the pressure on Koeman, and the Catalan giants have allegedly recently contacted River Plate boss Marcelo Gallardo to discuss the managerial role at the club.

Legendary midfielder Xavi and Belgium boss Roberto Martinez have also been linked with the position, but according to Sport, a positive result against Atletico could lead to a change of heart.

The report claims that Barcelona boss Joan Laporta is still hopeful that the team will improve, and a victory over Atletico on Saturday would move them above the champions in the table.

Back-to-back Champions League losses have increased the pressure on the manager, but Barcelona are unbeaten in the league this season, picking up 12 points from six matches to sit sixth, just five points behind leaders Real Madrid with a game in hand.

Goals from Memphis Depay, Luuk de Jong and Ansu Fati saw Koeman's side record a 3-0 win over Levante in the league last weekend.