Former Barcelona president talks Rashford, Camp Nou and UCL – “Rashford is better than Nico” | OneFootball

Former Barcelona president Joan Gaspart is never one to hold back. In a recent interview with El 10 del Barça (h/t Diario SPORT), the veteran administrator offered his candid views on the Barcelona squad heading into the new season.

He also talked about Barça’s newest signing, Marcus Rashford, as well as the club’s return to Camp Nou and why it is taking so long.

Gaspart on the Barcelona squad

Gaspart began on an optimistic note, praising the club’s spirit and ambition heading into the new campaign.

“Barça excites me,” he said. “What excites me most is the ambition; they started as they finished, the desire, with a similar style of play. We have a squad that has to bring a lot of joy, with important additions like the goalkeeper (Joan Garcia).”

And while he remained hopeful about another strong season, he kept expectations grounded.

“In four days, we’ll be in the middle of the season, and I would sign the same as last year – if it could be with the Champions League,” he said.

Gaspart touched on Barça’s painful near-miss in Europe last season, too, as Barcelona lost to Inter Milan in the semifinals.

“Last year, we came close; we were in the final for a few minutes. Other teams have also improved, but yes, the players know they owe the Champions League to their fans. I’d like to win it, but I’d also be happy with a season like the last one,” he said.

Gaspart on Nico vs Rashford

One of Barcelona’s biggest misses this summer was Nico Williams, as the club could not close the deal in time, forcing the youngster to sign a new contract at Athletic Club.

Gaspart, though, believes Barcelona have landed an even better option in the form of Marcus Rashford.

“First of all, for me, Marcus Rashford is better than Nico. From here on, I don’t care what Inaki might say,” he said.

Joan Gaspart has no resentment towards Nico (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

“The player has used us in a good way – he’s gotten a good contract, and I’m happy for him. I don’t understand Athletic’s anger. I’ve signed many players from Bilbao like Zubizarreta and always got along with their president,” he said about Nico.

“This is in the past. We have to focus on the season and trust the squad and the exceptional coach we have,” he added.

Gaspart on Camp Nou project

Finally, Gaspart touched upon the Camp Nou project, which is taking longer than necessary, with Barcelona unsure whether or not they can return to the stadium by September.

“We want to return home as soon as possible, but there’s little talk about the economic consequences of playing at Camp Nou with more people instead of Montjuic,” he said.

“From 60,000 season ticket holders to 15,000 at Montjuic – the numbers are crystal clear,” he added.

Gaspart went on to point out that the Camp Nou project is being delayed due to strict regulations put in place by the City Council.

“It’s not up to us. It’s the firefighters’ decision, the city council. Rules have to be followed. The president should show the passion that members want, but sometimes dates are set that can’t be met – and that’s misleading,” he said.

“I’ve told the president to say we’ll return when circumstances allow, because it depends on the council’s discretion. Let’s not commit to something we can’t control,” he concluded.