Barcelona president Joan Laporta recently attended the 12th Gala Estrelles del Futbol Catalán, where he took part in a light-hearted interview with the event’s hosts.
Although the conversation had a humorous tone, Laporta shared some valuable insights into the club’s current situation.
The president addressed Barcelona’s recent performances, mentioning the club’s loss to UD Las Palmas following the 125th anniversary Gala.
While acknowledging the disappointment of that defeat, he focused on the positive outcome against Mallorca, where the team secured a strong 1-5 victory.
“We didn’t quite realise that after a Gala, you lose. But in Mallorca, we did well again,” he said as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Update on Camp Nou
Looking ahead, Laporta confirmed that plans for the renovation of Camp Nou are moving forward as expected.
The work on the iconic stadium is still ongoing, but he reassured fans that, barring any unforeseen events, the return to their historic home will happen as planned.
“If there are no unforeseen events, the plan with Camp Nou will be fulfilled,” he added.
Joan Laporta provided an update on Camp Nou. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
The renovation project is seen as a crucial step in the club’s future, aiming to elevate Barcelona’s status both on and off the pitch.
Thoughts on Hansi Flick
Laporta also spoke highly of Barcelona’s new coach, Hansi Flick. He praised Flick’s background, noting his roots in the esteemed German coaching system that has produced some of the world’s best managers.
Laporta shared that key club figures, such as Deco and Bojan, had engaged with Flick, further emphasising his importance to the club.
“He has come out well, from the German school, where great coaches come out. Deco and Bojan went to talk to him.”
He made a tongue-in-cheek remark about Flick’s limited understanding of Catalan, suggesting that it might actually be beneficial in shielding him from the media’s potential traps.
“Is it better that he doesn’t understand Catalan because then he doesn’t understand what they say about him?
“I think that everything that is said is good, but it is better that he doesn’t speak it yet, yes, so that he doesn’t fall into some trap that they set for him,” he said.
Laporta’s comment was a playful nod to the often harsh scrutiny faced by coaches in the press.