Laporta talks Xavi, controversy around Messi’s return, Deco, Laporta, Font – ‘Thank good we got rid of him’ | OneFootball

The race for the Barcelona presidency continues to intensify, and Joan Laporta has spoken openly about several key issues surrounding the election campaign.

In a recent interview, Laporta addressed criticism from his rivals, discussed the situation involving Xavi Hernandez, and explained the club’s current sporting project led by Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco.

The Barcelona president was asked about the increasingly heated election campaign and the criticism coming from his main rival, Victor Font.

Laporta did not hold back when sharing his opinion, questioning Font’s plans and warning about the potential consequences if he were to take control of the club.

“That’s why I say putting Barça in the hands of Víctor Font is reckless. He’s a technocrat who hides behind a computer. 

“He would ruin us because he has no sporting or economic plan. His social plan is a copy of what we have been doing for the last five years. 

“He peddles lies and has been putting obstacles in our way for years.”

Laporta responds to Xavi’s involvement

Xavi has been totally against Laporta. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Another topic discussed during the interview was the involvement of former Barcelona coach Xavi in the election debate.

Laporta admitted that he was disappointed by the situation and suggested that the former manager allowed himself to be drawn into the campaign.

“It hurts me that he allowed himself to be used by Victor Font, but it reaffirms my decision because with practically the same players, Xavi lost and Flick won. The decision was good for Barça. Xavi is resentful.”

The Barcelona president also reacted to comments made by Xavi regarding Alejandro Echevarria, a figure who has been linked to internal club matters.

Laporta strongly defended him and explained why he remains an important person within the club’s structure.

“It hurts me that they are using someone I trust implicitly to attack me. He is very useful for issues with La Liga and the Federation. 

“He has a very good rapport with Deco and is brave and intelligent. He is a great person. 

“It has been a painful blow emotionally and personally, but in terms of the decisions I have to make at Barça, I feel stronger. I’ll say it again, thank goodness we got rid of Xavi.”

Laporta explains Messi’s situation

Laporta also addressed the long-discussed situation involving Lionel Messi and the possibility of his return to Barcelona in the past.

The president clarified that several factors played a role in the outcome and insisted that there was no dishonesty involved from the parties mentioned.

“I don’t think anyone is lying, especially Tebas. It’s true that Barça didn’t have LaLiga’s approval. 

“It’s true that Messi wanted to come and the contract presented to Jorge Messi had not been approved.

“It’s also true that we had a plan to convince La Liga to accept Leo’s registration, but first we had to reach an agreement between the two parties. 

“That said, it was pointless, because Jorge [Messi] came to my house and told me that he wasn’t coming because they preferred Miami, where they would have more peace and quiet and less pressure.”

Confidence in Flick and Deco project

Laporta has complete faith in Deco and Flick. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Laporta also spoke about the club’s sporting structure and the partnership between Flick and Deco.

According to the president, the combination of their experience and knowledge of football is strengthening Barcelona’s long-term project.

“Deco gives us everything: knowledge of the market, the club, and football. He talks like a coach, and he and Flick have perspectives that enrich the sporting project.

“They bring honesty, courage, and decisiveness. They are in tune with each other; they are two people with experience in the world of top-level football. 

“They are very coordinated and have positive discussions.”

Laporta also confirmed that stability is one of his priorities and explained why he would like Flick to continue as coach throughout his presidential term.

“Yes, because I believe in stability. It is essential in big clubs. I have the experience of the first term in which we enjoyed the best period in Barça’s history, first with Rijkaard and then with Pep Guardiola. 

“Our rivals had six or seven coaches. Also in the presidency, we renewed the position and I got to know five presidents of Real Madrid.”

Financial situation and club achievements

Finally, Laporta addressed Barcelona’s financial situation and the club’s ability to operate under La Liga financial rules.

He explained that even without the favourable 1:1 rule, the club has managed to support the sporting project.

“The fact is that we’ve given the coaches everything they’ve asked for over the last five years, and we weren’t at 1-1. 

“We had to find ways to work harder to bring in more money and be able to sign players. It’s true that not being at 1:1 keeps you on edge, but that’s the case for all LaLiga clubs.”

Looking back on his recent term, Laporta also highlighted three achievements that he considers the most important for Barcelona’s future.

“Having pushed ahead with Spotify Camp Nou, having built a great team with Flick on the bench, Deco in the offices, and this generation of players that excites us.

“The third is the economic recovery because that’s what has been the hardest,” he concluded.

Source: SPORT