Barcelona President Joan Laporta recently addressed several key topics during a press conference, highlighting the club’s expectations for coach Hansi Flick in his debut season.
When asked about what was expected from Hansi Flick in his debut season as the coach of Barcelona, Joan Laporta emphasized the importance of hard work and professionalism.
Laporta highlighted that they demanded Flick be a coach who lives day-to-day with intensity and offers a style of football that aligns with the club’s philosophy and that the fans enjoy. According to Laporta, they have set clear goals for the season and expect them to be achieved, but they did not specify any targets regarding winning titles. The focus, instead, is on developing a strong foundation, ensuring the team plays an attractive and effective brand of football, and building a cohesive unit that can compete at the highest levels. He praised Flick’s attitude, describing him as a coach who does not make excuses and is very demanding, which are qualities that Laporta believes are crucial for the club's success.
Regarding the club’s relationship with Real Madrid, Laporta was candid in expressing that the situation is strained. He pointed out that relations have soured particularly because Real Madrid involved themselves in the Negreira case, which was a scandal involving allegations of corruption and payments to a former referee. Laporta deemed this interference unacceptable, and this has led to tensions between the two clubs. He also mentioned that there are complaints against journalists, indicating that the fallout from the Negreira case has extended beyond just the clubs and has affected media coverage as well.
On the topic of the European Super League, Laporta confirmed that the project is still in progress and that efforts are being made to launch it. He noted that the existence of the Super League has already prompted UEFA to make changes, particularly with the reform of the Champions League. According to Laporta, UEFA is now distributing an additional 500 million euros among the clubs, although this comes with an increase in the number of matches. Despite this, Laporta sees the values of the Super League as very attractive and believes it represents a significant evolution for European football. He expressed optimism about the new format of the Champions League and is pleased that it will offer more games, providing more opportunities for fans to enjoy football. Laporta’s comments suggest that he sees the Super League not as a rival to UEFA competitions but as a catalyst for change that has already benefited clubs financially.
When asked about Nico Williams, who was rumored to be a target for Barcelona but ultimately stayed at Athletic Bilbao, Laporta refrained from discussing players who are not part of the club. Instead, he focused on the players Barcelona has signed, highlighting the acquisition of Dani Olmo as a significant move. Laporta mentioned that Deco, who is involved in the club’s recruitment, identified Olmo as the player Barcelona needed, and they also brought in Pau Víctor, who has shown his goal-scoring ability. Laporta expressed confidence in the current squad, describing it as defensively solid and strong in midfield. He also mentioned that once injured players like Lewandowski, Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres, and Raphinha return, along with the contributions from young talents, the team will have a formidable attack. Laporta's comments reflect a belief that Barcelona has built a well-rounded squad capable of competing on all fronts.
On the departures of João Félix and João Cancelo, Laporta explained that the decisions were made during the configuration of the first team by Deco and Flick. It was determined that the existing squad was the best option and that there were other priorities for the club. Both players were on loan at Barcelona, and it was decided that they would pursue different paths, with João Félix moving to Chelsea and João Cancelo heading to Saudi Arabia. Laporta’s remarks indicate that the club is focused on its current roster and the future, suggesting that the departures were part of a broader strategy to build a team that aligns with the club’s goals and philosophy.
Overall, Laporta’s statements during the press conference reflect a clear vision for Barcelona’s future under Hansi Flick. The club is focusing on hard work, professionalism, and developing a cohesive and competitive squad. While there have been challenges, including strained relationships with other clubs and the complexities of player transfers, Laporta remains optimistic about the direction Barcelona is heading. With a strong squad, a new coach with a clear vision, and ongoing efforts to adapt to the evolving landscape of European football, Barcelona is poised to compete at the highest levels in the coming seasons.