With the year 2024 soon coming to an end, FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta used his Christmas lunch speech to discuss various relevant topics.
Laporta notably talked about Barcelona’s title challenge, especially after the recent drop in performances. He also offered a roadmap to the eventual return to Spotify Camp Nou next year.
Laporta on the title race
Despite a recent bad run of form, Laporta remained positive about Hansi Flick’s team’s chances to regain the league title, though he did admit Barça’s frailties.
“We are working hard on the sporting side. In football, we could be better, but I don’t like to look back. We are first now and I see the glass half full.
“I would like to be seven points ahead, but we have lost our way and have lost points that were not ours, but for me, that is in the past,” he said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).
Barcelona are currently leading the table with 38 points, tied with second-placed Atletico Madrid, who have played one fewer game.
Real Madrid, too, have played one fewer game and could easily overtake Barça if the Catalans once again fail to deliver in the next game.
Laporta remains confident of Barcelona’s chances in La Liga (Photo by Linnea Rheborg/Getty Images)
**“We have to prepare the team so that every game is like a Champions League game. The next game against Atlético is very important and I would take advantage of it to appeal to the fans to cheer more than ever. We need the support of the public,**” he added.
Laporta on returning to Camp Nou
Laporta also spoke about the much-anticipated return to the Spotify Camp Nou, reiterating that the stadium would not be ready until after the league phase of the Champions League.
“We want to reaffirm that Barça has an important weight in the world of sport. We are making the new Spotify Camp Nou a reality, which continues to advance with some imponderables,” he said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).
“We will not return until the first phase of the Champions League is over, but we are working to have the right conditions,” he added.
This goes hand in hand with widespread reports across Spain, which suggest Barcelona may only return to Spotify Camp Nou after the end of the UCL league stage.
“There are moments more glorious than others, but we are working to give good news in 2025. I hope that they come from the Spotify Camp Nou, which is a place for the culés to be happy,” he added.