Joan Laporta speaks on La Masia vs. Big Signings, missing Club World Cup, and La Liga hopes | OneFootball

Barcelona President Joan Laporta is currently in Dubai, attending the prestigious Globe Soccer Awards.

Amidst the glitz and glamour of the event, where the Blaugrana are well-represented, the club chief took time to address the media (h/t FCB World) regarding the most pressing topics surrounding the Catalan giants.

The La Masia philosophy and future signings

One of the most frequent questions asked by Barcelona fans revolves around the club’s transfer strategy.

When asked if the club will continue to rely solely on the academy or look for heavy-calibre names in the future, Laporta was firm in his defence of the club’s identity but left the door open for transfers.

“We are working on producing players from La Masia, and we have many talents capable of reaching the first team, and we are proud of the philosophy we work according to,” Laporta began.

“In fact, there are players from La Masia who reach the first team, and at the same time, we also want to sign other players and integrate them together, and we are proud of this work.”

The president was keen to highlight that this philosophy extends beyond just the men’s first team, pointing to the immense success of the women’s section as proof of the model’s viability.

“We also have other teams, not just the men’s football team; we also have the women’s football team. And I am very happy about that, as there is a player here representing women’s football, and she is also a graduate of La Masia,” he explained.

Laporta remains confident in La Masia. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“All the football sections we work on are witnessing noticeable development, and they are being worked on well and according to a clear philosophy.”

Laporta emphasised that the specific DNA of a La Masia graduate is a competitive advantage that cannot be bought, though he reiterated that external signings remain part of the plan.

“Each team has its own work, and we have many players, and in La Masia, there is great competition. And every player who graduates from La Masia knows the playing style of the first team, and this is very important to us,” he said.

“Yes, we want to add other players; there are players we want to sign to be in the first team, alongside players who come from La Masia.“

On La Liga and The Club World Cup

When bluntly asked if Barcelona would be the league champion this year, Laporta kept his answer brief but hopeful, stating, “Insha’Allah.”

He also talked about the FIFA Club World Cup, which Barcelona missed out on due to their UEFA coefficient standing from previous seasons.

When asked if he was sad about missing the tournament financially, Laporta laughed off the suggestion that finance was the primary hurt.

“No, no, it’s not a matter of money, but a matter of prestige and dignity,” Laporta clarified.

He acknowledged the sporting dip in recent years that led to this exclusion but vowed that the club would return to where it belongs.

Laporta confirms Barcelona were not interested in FIFA Club World Club for the money. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“Unfortunately, we didn’t participate because in the previous years we weren’t in good standing, but we want to participate next time and always, that’s our goal.”

Ambitions and The Globe Soccer Awards

Looking ahead, Laporta outlined the team’s mindset for the remainder of the season. The objective remains not just to win, but to do so with the style that defines FC Barcelona.

“We are in every competition we play.. Our goal is to play well and try to win. We will see what happens, and we are also always confident in the players to give their best, especially those who performed well last year,” he stated.

“We proceed step by step, respecting the opponent and playing beautiful football. This is the primary goal, then we focus on winning,” he added.

Finally, touching on the event itself, Laporta expressed his delight at being in Dubai and seeing Barcelona players recognised on the global stage.

“A fantastic celebration,” he said of the event. “Proud to have 3 Barcelona players among the nominees for the Globe Soccer Awards.”