Laporta hits back at Florentino Perez over Negreira case statements – ‘The acute Barcelonitis in Madrid suits us’ | OneFootball

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has stepped into the spotlight as Barcelona arrived in Guadalajara to begin their Copa del Rey title defence, and the club president did so in his trademark assertive style. 

With the atmosphere around Spanish football charged by off-field debates and renewed institutional tension, Laporta made it clear that Barcelona’s focus remains firmly on the pitch.

Speaking upon the team’s arrival, Laporta first addressed the significance of the occasion and the challenge that awaits Barça in Guadalajara. 

“We’ve come to Guadalajara to defend our title. We know the city will be behind its team. They’re super motivated,” he began as quoted by Jijantes.

Real Madrid’s obsession with Barcelona

The Barcelona president then turned his attention to the wider football climate, particularly the emotional connection between the club and its supporters. 

With growing tension emerging from Madrid in recent weeks, Laporta leaned into a concept he has referenced – Barcelonitis.

“Barcelonitis has turned into acute Barcelonitis. It’s what’s ingrained in the heart of Barcelona fans.”

Laporta has fired back at Real Madrid. (Photo by Linnea Rheborg/Getty Images)

Laporta framed this “acute Barcelonitis” as a sense of identity. In his view, the intensity with which Barcelona are followed reflects the club’s stature and the passion it inspires.

Laporta then suggested that the fixation on Barcelona from the capital serves Barça rather than harming them. 

“The acute Barcelonitis in Madrid suits us because they’re not worrying about what they should be worrying about. 

“If the discourse has changed, it’s because there used to be similarities in projects.”

Finally, Laporta addressed the recurring Negreira issue, expressing frustration at what he sees as an exhausted line of attack that continues to be recycled.

“They’re still dragging out the Negreira issue with something that isn’t working out for them,” he noted.