Barcelona president talks Lamine-RFEF issue, Flick, Camp Nou return, Florentino Perez | OneFootball

The past week has largely been a positive one for Barcelona, and on multiple fronts.

For starters, the team returned to the Spotify Camp Nou and hosted a training session at the venue for the first time post-renovation. The complete return to the stadium too is expected to be just around the corner.

In a sporting sense, they registered a convincing win over Celta Vigo with a seemingly improved defensive performance – generating optimism that they may not be far off from their best.

Furthermore, Raphinha and Joan Garcia are expected to return from injury after the break.

In other matters, Lamine Yamal returned from the Spanish national team and will have two weeks of rest, while Lionel Messi returned to visit the Spotify Camo Nou out of the blue.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta took the opportunity to speak on the hot topics in a recent interview with Catalunya Radio.

Laporta’s update on Spotify Camp Nou

Barcelona’s recent training session at the renovated stadium was a special occasion for the team and a sign that a complete return to the venue is just around the corner. Laporta began his interview by confirming the same, saying,

“The Camp Nou works are progressing at a very good pace. If there are no surprises, the third tiers will be operational at the start of next season, just like the VIP boxes, which are of great importance in refinancing the stadium.”

Providing an update on when the team will return to the stadium, he said,

“We’ll play in the Camp Nou as soon as possible. The stadium is ready to play with a 27,000 capacity.”

Return soon. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The president also recalled how the manager and dressing room reacted to stepping into the field ahead of the training session.

“Hansi Flick had chills when he entered the new Camp Nou. The players were freaking out too.”

On Flick and Yamal

Laporta then spoke about Barcelona’s manager, Hansi Flick, and what he made of the manager’s future at the club.

“Hansi Flick is calm, motivated, and eager. He has a contract and surely we can agree on another one. He lives the club intensely, we’re delighted with him.”

He also delved into the topic of Lamine Yamal and what made the youngster so special at his age, even defending criticism over his lifestyle.

“Lamine Yamal is enjoying life at 18 and shows remarkable maturity for his age. I’m not worried about his lifestyle.”

“He needs protection and support – from us and from those around him. He’s a true professional who trains harder than anyone,” he added.

Speaking on the youngster’s current struggle with pubalgia and how Yamal never allowed it to affect his availability, Laporta said,

“Lamine Yamal is dealing with pubalgia yet keeps playing, showing his commitment and love for Barça. He’s a genius who hasn’t reached his full potential yet.”

“Lamine Yamal is the best player in the world in his position,” he concluded.

Laporta explains the controversy with the national team

Lamine was called up by Spain for the ongoing international break and linked up with the team, only to leave immediately after being informed he must rest for 10 days after a treatment procedure, which the RFEF claimed they were not informed about.

Laporta clarified the situation and explained how the timing of the therapy was not intentional.

“We were notified at the moment when the doctor examined Lamine Yamal for the national team. I don’t want to get into controversies. We try to heal our players, with our own timings.”

Lamine was released from the Spain squad. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Providing a timeline on what exactly happened, the club president said,

“On Monday, the specialist attended, conducted the diagnosis and treatment. Barcelona needs Lamine Yamal in his best condition, and this coincided with the national team matches.”

On administerial matters

The club president then spoke about his relationship with Florentino Perez and his recent meeting with the Real Madrid president.

“The reunion with Florentino was respectful and cordial, but relations aren’t good because they took part in the Negreira case, presenting irrelevant and inconclusive claims.”

When asked if he had a ‘divorce’ with Perez, Laporta sportingly said,

“We can’t talk about a divorce because we were never married. We’re eternal rivals with respect for each other.”

Finally, the club administrator opened up about Barcelona’s ownership model and how he had no intention of selling any stake in the club to any third party – thereby ensuring it belongs to socios.

“As long as I am president, Barcelona will remain the property of its members.”

“For over 125 years, we’ve defended Catalonia, our language, and our culture. Reducing Barça to a business doesn’t fit,” he added.

Finally, Laporta states that he was not thinking about the upcoming presidential elections yet and that he was focused on his work.

“Currently, I’m not thinking about the elections; the season has just begun, and we’re in the midst of the battle. We will call for them when the time is most appropriate for the team.”