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Joan Laporta has been making fiery statements in his press conference today, and rightly so, considering how Barcelona were affected by the Dani Olmo registration issue earlier this month.
The situation was clearly not easy for either the dressing room or the management and fortunately it was resolved after an intervention by the CSD.
In the same interview, Laporta spoke about the situation in the locker room, the Camp Nou and other influential people such as Javier Tebas and Florentino Pérez.
Laporta talks about the team’s mentality
As part of his recent interaction with the media, Laporta praised Hansi Flick and his team for showing patience and maintaining faith in the board during the torrential weeks that have just passed.
“Barcelona fans enjoy a very competitive team, based on players from the club’s youth system, supported by highly talented players, in my opinion, led by an exceptional coach like Hansi Flick.”
Praising Flick and the two players Olmo and Victor in particular further, he said:
“I really appreciate the mental strength shown by the team and our coach Hansi Flick.”
“What these two players went through and what the team and the coach endured was completely unacceptable.” he elaborated.
Laporta also praised other important figures working in the background.
“This team has become physically stronger thanks to the work of Julio Tous and his team.”
“And all thanks to the director of football, Deco, and his team, who allow us to enjoy special nights like the one we had in Jeddah.” he added.
Speaking about how Olmo and Víctor overcame difficult weeks in which uncertainty loomed, the president said:
“They suffered a lot, not only them but also their families. “It’s not easy.”
“Also, look, we were telling them clearly: ‘Hey, we are going to register you because we have the legal right to do so,’ but as happens everywhere, it is not enough to be right, there has to be a will to give you that right,” he added.
Talking about the various challenges that the players faced, he said:
“They suffered a lot because they couldn’t play and they suffered a lot because they saw the consequences. However, I think they performed brilliantly.”
“They were great, despite the anxiety, but they tried not to disturb the group dynamic, and that is something to be appreciated.”
The president then assured the media that the saga was closed and would not be repeated.
“I reiterate that the Supreme Sports Council has granted the immediate precautionary measure, and its decision even refers to the annulment of the administrative act, which will render everything void.”
The media then asked Laporta about Raphinha’s statements before the Super Cup final about the situation of Olmo and Víctor and the club as a whole. Laporta, however, insisted that it was the media that forced the player to make statements.
“The captain came out to speak, but you caught him, you directed the questions to him and, nevertheless, our captain, who is not only an exceptional player, but also a great person, told us clearly: ‘I said that Barcelona is the best place where I could be.’”
“Then they asked him: “What would happen if you were outside the club and saw what was happening?” Naturally, having said all this, anyone outside could be affected.” he added.
About Tebas and Pérez
They then asked him if he was referring to Javier Tebas when he spoke of individuals who were trying to destabilize the board, to which he responded:
“I had spoken with the president of the Spanish Football Federation, and he was clear that the authorizations had to be granted, and when that was not the case, I told him personally and directly what I was thinking.”
“And in fact, at the event the day or two later, we talked again and cleared the air.” he added.
He later insisted that he did not single out any particular individual.
“What else did I say? No, I don’t intend to single out anyone in particular right now, because you know what? “Everyone has the right to do what they see fit.”
Laporta was then asked about Tebas’ decision to appeal the discharges of Olmo and Víctor, to which he responded:
“Everyone has the right to make their own decisions. If I said before that I am a defender and supporter of the rule of law, I cannot say that they cannot do what they consider appropriate as long as it is within the legal framework. “Everyone has the right to do it.”
“I don’t think they’re doing this to hurt player registration, that’s my personal opinion, but it’s just a hunch.” he added.
Several La Liga clubs openly issued notices of their disapproval of Olmo’s registration, but surprisingly Real Madrid did not do so. When asked if Florentino Pérez had spoken anything privately with him, Laporta said:
“I do not want to reveal the private conversations I had with other club presidents. But what I can say is that I am very grateful to the clubs that did not oppose us, because I think they clearly realized that this was not the right way to go.”
“We must remember that we can be fierce competitors on the field, but off the field, within the framework of the bond that unites us as clubs, we must defend everyone’s interests together.” he added.
Sending a message to the clubs that opposed Barcelona, he expressed his clear discontent.
“As for the clubs that have opposed us, clearly I am not happy with that and I do not agree with what they are doing.”
Finally, the president gave an update on the situation at Spotify Camp Nou and the possible return date.
“This is not just a renovation, it is not just about painting the stadium, it is the construction of a completely new stadium, so it cannot be considered just a renovation. “It is a new stadium that we will return to as soon as possible when possible.”
“However, I also want to emphasize that this new Camp Nou, as you all know, is the key to generating a lot of income in the coming years.” he added.
Source: Mundo Deportivo
