Joan Laporta, president of FC Barcelona, spoke at length this Thursday on the club channel, Barça TV. The opportunity to take stock of the year, financial and sporting.
Review of the year 2022, results, transfer window, new stadium project, relationship with the coach and key players… Joan Laporta, president of FC Barcelona, gave a long interview to Barça TV, the club’s official channel .
On a return from Messi : «For us he is the best player of all time, we had him here and we are convinced that in his heart he is a culé (the nickname of the Barcelonans, editor’s note). He will always be linked to Barca. For now he belongs to PSG and we would love for him to come back one day, we’ll see.»
On an arrival of Benjamin Pavard : «It’s a real option for us. His contract expires in two years and he wants to leave. He can strengthen the defense.»
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On possible transfers to the winter transfer window : «We have the necessary this summer and for the moment there is no reason to have to carry out operations. In midfield we have Busi [Sergio Busquets] as master of ceremonies, Pedri, Gavi, Frenkie [de Jong], Kessié….. In front, we have a boy like Ansu Fati, in whom we have a lot of hope. There is Lewandowski, Ferran, Raphinha, Dembélé… In defense, we have Araujo, and Eric who knows how to raise very well like the greatest players. In goal, in addition to Ter Stegen, we have Peña and Tenas. I forgot Balde (laughs). When we talk about a player, we must remember not to forget any. Jordi Alba also had a very good World Cup.»
On the new stadium, Espai Barça : «During the first half of January, we will know who will be awarded the contract to carry out the renovation and this great work, which will be an architectural marvel. It’s important, it’s a transformation engine for the club. We have to sell it properly. It is necessary work, which will generate some inconvenience because we will have to go to Montjuic for one season, and when we return in the fall of 2024, part of the capacity will be cut. We want the deadlines to be met, we can afford a year away from the stadium, but no more. This great work has already begun, there is no turning back and it must be finished in time.»
Clubs must have the power to create and manage a competition.
John Laporta
On the Superleague : «The Premier League will go from 5 billion to 7 billion in investments, La Liga cannot compete. The teams there have more resources, that has to change. We have been brave and in the spring the Court of Justice of the European Union will deliver a judgment which I hope will be favorable to the interests of the clubs and to free European competition. It is on this point that the dispute with Uefa is. Taking a stand is an act of courage, we are working to improve competition to ensure the sustainability of clubs and change the governance model. In the football industry, the clubs are the ones that make the least profit. I think the CJEU ruling will have the same impact as the Bosman ruling. Clubs must have the power to create and manage a competition.»
About Xavi : «He exceeded our expectations. He had a lot of knowledge, but we had to see how he would adapt to a bench like Barca’s. He knows the Barça environment perfectly, having lived there a lot. It’s good to talk to him because he puts the problems into perspective. He always conveys optimism. For him, problems can always be solved. He sees nothing impossible. I really like talking to him because he has a very clear vision for the club, he is very mature for his young age and for taking on a position as Barça coach. I’m delighted with Xavi and I like him a lot personally, it’s a source of pride to have a coach like him.»
On the comparison between Pedri and Gavi on the one hand, Xavi and Iniesta on the other : «Obviously the comparison makes sense, they play in the same positions and are similar, but they are aware that to reach the level of Iniesta or Xavi they have to work hard. Gavi is crazier, Pedri is more focused. Both have a family environment that has helped them a lot. Their parents are amazing.»
We are in the process of recovering our prestige and our weight in the world of football.
John Laporta
On Gerard Pique : «We spoke a lot with Gerard, we have a very good relationship, I appreciate him very much and I can proudly say that I was his president. I am proud of him, he is an extraordinary person and he behaved extraordinarily well with Barça and with us. This season was complicated, we knew it would be more difficult for him on the sporting level because we had brought players to his position. He, who is a winner, was convinced that he could do more. Things happened as they happened, he didn’t get what he wanted and we talked to him. Barca can only be grateful to Gerard Piqué. I have known him since he was a child, when he was in the youth team. He has always been very culé, had a great career at the club and knows that Barça is his home.»
Sur Sergio Busquets : «He and Gerard made history and are part of the “shield”. Xavi relies on Sergio, supports him and wants him to continue. It has been rumored that he will have offers from MLS this winter. We want him to continue, his choice will be ours and the club will always be there to help him. When his contract is over, his contract will be over. I don’t know if he’s going to leave this winter or if he’s going to stay until the end of the season, we want him to stay until the end of the season because that’s what Xavi has given us asked. We all want it to continue. If he watches the show, let him know.”
On club finances : «The economic situation was very delicate and today the cash flow is stable, the debt is under control and the shareholders’ equity is positive. It’s still in progress but we are on the right track, thanks to the famous bearings. As an institution, we are in the process of recovering our prestige and our weight in the world of football. The levers served to save the club and make the team more competitive.»