Barcelona advisor talks Xavi, Messi, Nico, Haaland, Vinicius, Ballon d’Or – ‘I told him not to continue’ | OneFootball

Barcelona’s start to the season has been explosive with some regular black spots.

The team has only seen extremities all the way through, either winning comprehensively or failing to take a single point from games and falling straight to defeats.

Yet, they are currently well-placed in the UEFA Champions League and are provisionally six points clear of Real Madrid in La Liga.

Laporta’s sideman speaks

Speaking to the media, Joan Laporta’s close aide Enric Masip spoke on Barcelona’s current state of affairs, Xavi’s departure, and Messi’s exit from the club among other topics.

Masip gave his thoughts on Xavi’s tenure. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

He began by providing a detailed update on how Xavi’s exit from the club occurred, especially with a lot being said about the poor management of the situation.

“It’s not easy to assess how he left. He made the decision [to leave] in January after the match against Villarreal, then he wanted to continue and Laporta let him continue,” he began.

“With another, I wouldn’t have consented to it. I always thought that wouldn’t work. I advised him not to continue because I thought he had missed the team train and it is very difficult to recover it,” Masip added on his stance on Xavi.

“I talked to Xavi later, I went to face and gave him my opinion as a former professional athlete. But I’m a club man and if I was determined, then everyone needs to grow together,” he concluded.

Failed attempt for Nico Williams

Masip also talked about Nico Williams’ failed transfer. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Speaking on the club’s failed operation to sign Nico Williams who was reportedly their top target for the summer, the administrator said,

“If a player doesn’t want to move, there’s not much room left. Little can be done. It was not for the Fair Play, if we had signed him we would have done everything necessary to register him.

“We haven’t put the cross on him. Everyone is free to choose their moment. The Sports Management is wise,” he added, keeping the door open.

On Lionel Messi’s exit and Erling Haaland

Despite explaining clearly what happened in the recent controversies, Masip was unable to provide much clarity on Lionel Messi’s departure from Barcelona.

Masip admitted Messi’s exit could have been handled better. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

“I don’t know the subject in depth. The president said that the club could not be endangered and it is so. Maybe it could have been done better.”

“He left Laporta touched because he was very fond of him,” he added.

Barcelona’s economic situation has seen undeniable improvement in recent years and new signings can now be dreamt of. When asked if Erling Haaland was a possibility, he said,

“With the new economy of the club and with the new stadium, Barça can consider signing any player. Another thing is if you really need it or prefer to bring two.”

The Ballon d’Or story

Finally, Masip was asked his opinion on the Ballon d’Or race and whether Vinicius or Rodri deserved the accolade.

“Rodri encompasses what the Ballon d’Or is, although Vinicius’ level has been very high. But what is valued? If it’s for talent, Vinicius could have won it. If that were the case, Messi would have won 13.”

“Carvajal? It could be, but no one gives it to a defender. And the scale is not clear. I really like the message that Rodri sends to the children. Not Vinicius’,” he added.

Source: MARCA