Laporta talks Mbappe, Perez, Tebas, Real Madrid, Super League, Negreira case – ‘A smear campaign against Barça’ | OneFootball

Speaking at the Foros de Vanguardia event on Thursday night, FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta spoke about the identity of Spain’s two biggest football clubs – Barça and Real Madrid, as well as the relationship between the two entities.

At this point, it has become well-established that institutional relations between the Blaugrana and Los Blancos are at an all-time low, especially after Florentino Perez’s attack on the Catalans over the Negreira case.

On Perez and Real Madrid

Laporta, who had already pointed out how Real Madrid seem to be dealing with ‘Barcelona-itis’, addressed the difference in how the two entities operate.

“Real Madrid represents power, and Barça represents freedom. I don’t know if business deals are made in the Bernabéu’s VIP box. There’s power involved. Here it’s a different story; we’re more focused on democracy and freedom,” he said.

On the matter of the relationship with Perez, he added: “We have a good and cordial relationship with Florentino Perez.”

Laporta was asked whether Barça could follow Real Madrid’s path, after Perez raised the option of selling 5 percent of the club at their last Assembly. In response, he said:

“At Barça, we’re not even considering any of this. I’ve been hearing for four years that we would become a public limited company. We guarantee that Barça will always be owned by its members. It’s an added value we have and it connects us with the community.

“Barça isn’t a business, it’s an institution. We have different principles. We’re a modern institution, committed to sustainability, equality, and diversity. We’re a Catalan institution, open to the world.”

Regarding his personal equation with Perez, Laporta remarked: “Florentino is a man of sound judgment, sensible. I knew a more belligerent Florentino during his previous term. We had a major clash over Eto’o.

“Florentino may have more access to those in power, just as we may have in Catalonia. This doesn’t mean he’s abusing his authority. Lawyers know that things can be interpreted in various ways. Florentino doesn’t do whatever he wants.”

Meanwhile, the Barcelona president was also asked about his views on Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe, who has been in unstoppable form this season.

“I like the players I have at Barça. Mbappe is a fantastic player, but I like the ones we have. This new generation from La Masia. I like these guys,” Laporta commented.

“I like this combination of homegrown players with players like Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Ferran. They have a team spirit. I don’t particularly admire the others.”

The Super League project

During the chat, the Barcelona president also confirmed that they had moved away from the UEFA Super League project, led by Perez, and had joined forces with UEFA and the ECA again.

“We want peace and sustainability in football. I came across the Super League and went ahead with it because I thought there were many differences with state-owned clubs. It’s dragged on, and all this uncertainty isn’t helping us,” noted Laporta.

Laporta with the presidents of UEFA and the ECA. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Continuing, he added: “We’ve improved our relationships with the ECA and UEFA. We reached an initial agreement with the Unify platform, but then I found out that Real Madrid had backed out.

“We should always give peace a chance. It’s better if we’re all on board. Conflict certainly doesn’t benefit anyone.”

On the Negreira case and RMTV

Laporta also passionately defended Barcelona against the allegations made in the Negreira case.

“It will last until the judge says enough is enough. We are in a legal process, and all the decisions are making it clear that Barça did not bribe referees and did nothing wrong. The other private prosecutions are not providing any conclusive evidence,” he said.

“If new evidence emerges, this process will need to be extended. All of this has caused a delay in the judge’s decision. We were condemned before we were even tried. I am convinced that Barça will ultimately be acquitted.”

Taking a dig at Real Madrid for their involvement in the matter, he added: There are actors who have a vested interest in keeping this alive. They keep dragging out the claim that Barça benefited from the referees, which is a lie.

“In the 72 years of the Referees Committee, there has always been a Real Madrid member. Real Madrid has significant power, and don’t like it when we win. Victories have added value.”

Pointing fingers at the controversial videos that air on Real Madrid TV targeting referees, he added:

“Javier Tebas said that Real Madrid is trying to exert influence through RMTV. Perhaps they should look at what Real Madrid’s television channel does with the referees, which they do with an inappropriate intensity.”

Talking about how the current relations are with Real Madrid, given the growing differences owing to the Super League and the Negreira case, he noted:

“The way forward was to return to the ECA and UEFA to restore peace to football. Real Madrid, seeing Barça’s resurgence, has panicked. If we repeat what we did in my first term as president… They’ve tried to tarnish the best period in Barça’s history.

“Barça was dominant in Europe and captivated everyone. Everyone wanted to play like us. There’s been a campaign to discredit Barça. I don’t have to apologise. The Negreira incident was based on referee reports.

“I believe you have to apologise when you knowingly do something wrong. I don’t like being stuck in a constant cycle of apologies. It’s obvious that there’s been a smear campaign against Barça.

“It’s undeniable. We had the best team in the world, and it was a golden age in Barça’s history. I will always maintain that this period is the best in our history.”

On La Liga president Javier Tebas

Laporta also spoke about La Liga president Javier Tebas and offered his support to him despite having had differences in the past.

“There have been disagreements with Tebas, but relations are generally good. He’s a man of his word, honourable, and experienced. I don’t trust those who want to oust him. It wouldn’t be good news for us,” said Laporta.

Pointing fingers at Real Madrid again for scheming against Tebas, he added: “We’ve built a relationship where we both know the rules. Now, strategies are coming from Madrid to try and oust him…

“Yes, there’s a clash between Tebas and Florentino, which doesn’t worry me. I see certain obsessions from the White House in this clash.”

Continuing on his equation with Tebas, Laporta noted: “Relations with Tebas are good. He’s the president of La Liga, and I’m the president of Barça. He considers Barça an important club, which is why we accepted the match in Miami.

“We accepted it for La Liga’s sake. The CSD didn’t allow this match. We abide by the established authority. I’d prefer Tebas to be honest and tell me he’s a Real Madrid fan.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo