Laporta talks Flick, Gavi, Pedri, Yamal, Lewandowski, Olmo, Pau Victor, Nike, Fair Play

In a wide-ranging interview with club media, FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta discussed numerous topics affecting the Catalan giants, just two days before the Assembly of Delegates.

The Barcelona president touched upon the club’s financial situation, player transfers, stadium renovation, and more, providing insights into the current state and future plans of the club.

Barcelona’s current situation and finances

Laporta began on an optimistic note, stating, “Barcelona is alive, this week we also presented the poster for the 125th anniversary. It’s a work of art. We’re in a good moment.”

Addressing the club’s economic state, Laporta revealed, “Today, the club is making money. When we arrived, we implemented financial levers to meet urgent commitments and improve the squad.

“We gave traction, but the wound was open. Today we can say that Barcelona earns more than it spends. We have 41% more income and 22% less expenditure. This is very important.”

Laporta remained confident about the club’s financial trajectory, saying: “Barcelona’s economy is evolving. It’s not a fixed picture. I’m calm. It will end up yielding results. We have healed the wound, it has cost a lot, but I ask for institutional stability.”

Player sales

Regarding the sales of important players in the recent past, Laporta clarified, “There are those who think they have been done to balance the finances, but that’s not the case. The sale of players we have made has been for sporting reasons.

“Dembélé, Guiu… There’s no place like Barça. We know how to sell, and whoever comes to buy players will have to show their hand.”

The president also confirmed that Barcelona rejected a mammoth €250 million offer for Lamine Yamal.

On the topic of retaining key players, he added: “We didn’t want to [sell] because we thought we had to keep the team. I think we haven’t made a mistake. Flick is getting a lot out of many of these players.

“Gundogan has left but Olmo has come. There are players who are performing better, like Raphinha or Lewandowski. We are happy. But those who want to stay will stay at Barça.”

Nike Contract Renewal

During the interview, Laporta also announced an upcoming deal with Nike while explaining the reasons behind the delay, saying:

“It will be the best contract in the world of football. It could have been signed in August, but it wasn’t done because I wanted to have the best contract.

“We went to the market to look for a better offer, we got it, and they matched it. We are negotiating, finishing them, and it will be announced shortly. It will be for 10 years.”

La Liga Financial Fair Play

On La Liga’s financial regulations, and the club’s position with regard to the Financial Fair Play situation Laporta stated:

“We are improving. The Nike contract will help. It wasn’t signed before because we wanted the best, most optimal contract. Before December, we have to show La Liga that we have positive results and we have to be in the 1-1 norm.

“La Liga has recognized our effort to reduce the wage bill. Were €60 million missing? Yes, but we already had some more accredited, the figure was €35 million. There’s no need to worry about the registrations of Dani Olmo or Pau Víctor.”

International Breaks

Laporta expressed concern about international breaks and the overloaded fixture schedule, leading to injuries to players.

“We have very good players and almost all of them can be selected… The reserve team had to suspend their match. This needs to be better regulated. It makes no sense because the first ones affected are the players,” he said.

Responding to comments from Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente about players’ game time, he added:

“If he believes that the clubs are the ones who should take care of the players, let them give us the power to lend them or not… We are the ones who pay the players. They owe themselves to the clubs that pay them. And that has to be taken into account.

“This proclamation that he only has them for one game a month, that’s fine, but we are the clubs who pay the players. We don’t want what happened with Pedri to be repeated.”

Regarding the club’s efforts to bring Lamine Yamal back soon after he picked up a knock against Denmark last week, he added:

“Making Lamine play was reckless. Did we make efforts? Of course, we have to defend our interests and they understood our approach and that of the player, who has a lot of personality. In the end, the correct criterion prevailed.”

Regarding young midfielder Gavi, Laporta said, “He was injured with the national team, but that’s it. We have to stop him. He goes all out in training and, if all goes well, he could be in the next matches: Sevilla, Bayern, Madrid… The player who returns from an injury needs an adaptation period.”

On manager Hansi Flick

Laporta praised new manager Hansi Flick and how he made instant impact, saying:

“He has revolutionized the Barcelona bench. He’s a club man, integrated into the city, he’s affable, close to the people, demanding, disciplined, he leads by example. He’s professional but has a human touch. He’s straightforward. We are very happy with the work he is doing.”

When asked if Flick had surprised him, Laporta responded, “I was sure he would do well, I’ve been surprised by his ability to integrate. It has been very effective. He goes to see Barça Atletic, his relationship with those responsible for grassroots football is very close.

“There must be maximum coordination between departments. Flick has understood that perfectly. He has earned everyone’s trust. I’m very happy.”