Joan Laporta has stressed that he will judge Ronald Koeman's future on results if he is voted in as Barcelona's new president.
The former Barcelona president is among the candidates for the January 24 elections, which will choose Josep Maria Bartomeu's successor.
As part of this plans, other candidates have already named who their chosen coach for the Barcelona first team would be if they are elected.
Despite a difficult start to the season in LaLiga Santander, Laporta was keen to express his support for the current boss.
"He's a Barcelona great and he deserves a degree of confidence," Laporta said of Koeman.
"This degree will be determined by results and performances, which is the law of football.
"I encourage him to pick up the baton and guide the players because anything can happen in football.
"Each person has their own way of expressing what they feel and each person has their own way of motivating people.
"I saw that in the first campaign we had with [Frank] Rijkaard. The first half of the season was disastrous and then we missed out on the league by a very small margin. We had a historical comeback.
"I'd tell [the current players] not to let their guard down and go for every [competition]. This can be difficult but, in football, experience tells me that lots of things can happen. We have players to turn the situation around and bring back the joy and winning mentality."
Laporta's rival candidate, Victor Font, has stated that he would appoint Xavi as Koeman's successor, while Jordi Cruyff would work as a director.
"I hope the proposals are true," Laporta said.
"What I won't do is comment on these proposals. We're focused on the programme that we're presenting and in gaining votes.
"[Xavi and Cruyff] are assets to Barcelona and I appreciate them. I know they will have a relevant role in the club. When we present our sporting project, you'll see how it's structured."
Meanwhile, another candidate, Emili Rousaud, has claimed to have reached a pre-agreement with Mino Raiola, through Josep Maria Minguella, to sign Erling Haaland should he be elected
"They are proposals being made by other candidates," Laporta added.
"Talking about players causes their price to go up and reduces the value that you have in the squad.
"I don't want to get into this game halfway through the season because I think it would destabilise things, but I respect what the other candidates are doing."
Another major issue surrounding the presidential race is that of Lionel Messi's future. The Argentine looked rundown as he arrived back in Barcelona after his Christmas holidays for Tuesday's game against Eibar.
"My reading of it was that he was going straight to the stadium after a journey," Laporta insisted,
"It's his obligation but, for me, it's a show of commitment and leadership. He, like all of us, is suffering.
"When [Ousmane] Dembele scored, I thought we could come back."
On Sunday, Messi took part in an extensive interview with Jordi Evole.
"I saw a mature, friendly, warm Messi who loves Barcelona," Laporta said as he gave his take.
"I understand he wants an offer and he didn't say at any moment that he wanted to leave.
"He's opening the door so that the new president can offer him a competitive project so he can end his career at Barcelona."