Laporta hits back at Florentino Pérez over Negreira claims and Madrid’s barren run | OneFootball

Joan Laporta has hit back at Florentino Pérez over the Negreira affair, accusing the Real Madrid president of using it to distract from two trophyless seasons.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, the Barça president-elect spoke at the Club de Golf Barcelona and also labelled Pérez’s 12 May press conference grotesque, after Rafa Yuste had called it pathetic.

Pérez said Madrid had won 7 Champions Leagues and 7 La Liga titles during his tenure, and could have won seven more because they had been robbed.

He also cited Madrid’s move to join the Negreira investigation, which coincided with relations between the clubs breaking down. He added 18 points had been taken from Madrid this season, with Barça 14 ahead after the clásico.

Laporta said the reaction was predictable falsehoods to deflect from Barça’s success. He contrasted moods, noting Barça have been champions in those two Madrid blank years, and that under Hansi Flick they have also won two Super Cups and a Copa.

He argued the squad needs only minor tweaks, not a marquee move like Robert Lewandowski’s 2022 arrival, which brought sporting and financial credibility. The striker departs after three league titles.

Barça will seek a replacement of similar stature, likely costing more than the €45m plus €5m add-ons paid to Bayern Munich. Laporta said entering the 1.1 rule will not prompt extravagance. He urged calm before formally returning on 1 July, targeting a five-year relaunch.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo