New book opens old wounds at Camp Nou: Laporta reveals unseen talks in Barcelona’s darkest years | OneFootball

Former president reveals the club’s hardest moments

New book opens old wounds at Camp Nou: Laporta reveals unseen talks in Barcelona’s darkest years

Former Barcelona president Joan Laporta released new book on Tuesday revealing major decisions and crises during his five-year leadership.

A Book that ppens old files at Barcelona

Former Joan Laporta has published new book titled How We Saved Barcelona offering detailed look at some of the most difficult moments of his presidency at Barcelona.

The Spanish newspaper "Marca" published key excerpts from the book which deals with issues such as the departure of Lionel Messi and the dismissal of Ronald Koeman & Xavi Hernandez.

Messi departure and a failed return

Laporta described Messi’s exit as one of the hardest challenges he faced. He explained that negotiations with the player’s camp were difficult although Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, understood the club’s financial limits.

Laporta revealed that Barcelona even discussed an unusual idea:

He admitted the plan looked like attempt to bypass La Liga rules and was never completed.

Barcelona later sold share of their television rights for 50 year through the CVC deal.

Laporta also confirmed that Messi was close to returning after leaving Paris Saint Germain but eventually chose Inter Miami to avoid pressure.

Koeman & Xavi: Two different endings

Laporta said he was honest with Koeman about his future despite respecting him as club legend.

He recalled direct meeting where he told the Dutch coach that he was not the right man for the job, a message Koeman did not accept well.

The situation with Xavi was more complex. Laporta explained that Xavi changed his position several times regarding the squad’s strength.

At first he promised to make the team champions. Later, he publicly said the team could not compete at the highest level.