Laporta makes huge promise about Barcelona future after election victory – ‘Going to live the best years of our lives’ | OneFootball

Joan Laporta has shared his thoughts on the future of Barcelona after securing a convincing victory in the club’s presidential elections.

In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Laporta reflected on the long election day, the support he received from the club’s members, and the plans he has for Barcelona over the next five years.

When asked how he was feeling after nearly an entire day at the club facilities following the vote, the Barcelona president admitted that the moment was emotional but also extremely rewarding.

“Very well, very well, very happy and grateful.

I want to say that we are going to live the best years of our lives over the next five years with a great team that will continue to win. That is the main objective. 

“And then to have a stadium with 105,000 people in the stands. That will be a joy to see and is a guarantee of our club’s future.”

On the Sevilla win

During the interview, Laporta was also asked about the recent 5-2 victory over Sevilla, particularly because three players signed during his presidency, Raphinha, Joao Cancelo and Dani Olmo, all scored during the match.

When the interviewer suggested that the goals from those players might feel like “divine justice” after criticism of the signings, Laporta reacted with humour.

“You’re pretty sharp, aren’t you?

“The important thing is that Barça won, that Cancelo took a hit from a player and was awarded a penalty as clear as day, which Raphinha converted with a Panenka, and then he had the nerve to take the penalty again and score it. 

“And above all, well, a great goal by Cancelo and a great goal by Olmo. I wanted a 5-0, 6-0. 

“A 7-3 would have been nice too. That would have been in line with what happened afterward. That’s for sure.”

On the presidential win

Laporta won with a significant margin. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The Barcelona president was also asked about the key factor behind his comfortable victory in the presidential election. 

Laporta explained that internal polling during the campaign had consistently shown strong support for his project.

“It’s just that, even during the campaign, we could see that the media coverage of the campaign didn’t match the polls we had. We had polls that were very clear and kept showing us this result.”

Looking ahead to the next presidential term, Laporta outlined the priorities for the club, highlighting the importance of continuing the sporting project led by manager Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco.

“Continuing to build a great team with Flick on the bench and Deco in the front office. Winning titles, which is what we Barça fans love, and playing well too. 

“Having the stadium completed halfway through the term, because that means Barça’s future is secured, both financially and in terms of putting on spectacular football matches, which is what we love. 

“Keep the women’s team highly competitive, with increasingly competitive youth divisions. Achieve that phase of economic growth that all these decisions will bring. And well, I’ll tell you, the best years of our lives are ahead of us.”

Impact of the young generation

Laporta also highlighted the impact of Barcelona’s young talents and the strength of the current squad, especially after the recent win over Sevilla.

“Today, for example, we had a real cause for celebration. Gavi is back, and I thought he looked great. I thought he looked really, really good. 

Laporta was happy with Gavi’s return. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

“And then the youth academy, La Masia, keeps producing talent. Xavi Espart played the entire match today, and the touch he has—you can see it’s a Barça touch. 

“Today we played with three young players, so to speak, who are already established: Cubarsi, Bernal, and Lamine.”

He then went on to praise the senior players of the team, stating,

“Cancelo had a fantastic game. We have Fermin, Olmo, and Raphinha, who scored a hat-trick. Lewandowski, who’s always a threat up front. Roony was very good, very incisive. 

“I’m very satisfied with how the team is being managed, and by the end of the season, Deco can continue working on what he’s been working on so that, if Hansi needs to make any adjustments, they can be made.”

Lastly, Laporta called out the unity within the dressing by saying,

“Gerard Martin calls Xavi Espart ‘Lahm’ or ‘Philipp Lahm.’ And he calls Gerard Martin ‘Maldini.’ So Flick is really motivating them to the max. And Marc Casado is like Kimmich. 

“We already know that Pedri is a magician and Lamine is a genius. And Marc [Bernal] is a guy with a Barça background, but he also tackles, passes, tackles, passes. 

“He’s there, he’s tenacious, and we always need a player of this style. Let’s hope Frenkie comes back soon,” he concluded.