In recent weeks, there has been increased tensions at an institutional level between Barcelona and Real Madrid, brought about by remarks made by the presidents of both clubs. Florentino Perez claimed that the Catalans are historically favoured by referees, which led to Joan Laporta claiming he and his club have “Barcelona-itis”.
Laporta has now attempted to put the manner behind him. Speaking an a La Vanguardia event on Thursday (via Sport), he spoke on Perez, whom he has a lot of respect for.
“He is a calm and intelligent man. Now he makes his reflections, in my first stage I was more belligerent, although now he has the issue against Tebas, against UEFA… I have heard that we would not be able to register but then the CSD gave us the reason in the case of Olmo’s registration. Surely he is closer to those who rule in Spain, but like us here in Catalonia because of proximity. He defends his interests as we do.”
Laporta and Ceferin sit together in the Champions League.
Image via Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
Laporta: Real Madrid are obsessed with Javier Tebas
However, Laporta did claim that Perez and Real Madrid are obsessed with La Liga chief Javier Tebas, who has been under fire of late.
“He is a man with words, he has extensive knowledge. I don’t trust those who want to get him out. We know that the relationship we have built with him is a good one. It’s from Real Madrid that they want to sack him, I see that there is obsession from the White House.
“Relations with Tebas are correct. He considers Barcelona an important club. That’s also why we gave the go-ahead to the game in Miami, because it was good for La Liga, obviously we preferred to go to Villarreal by car than to Miami by plane. If I said that he is not from Madrid I would not believe it either, I already know that he is from Madrid and I prefer that he tell me so.”