With the presidential race heating up at FC Barcelona, Joan Laporta has stepped back into the spotlight.
Appearing on 2Cat’s ‘Cafè d’Idees’, the former president, who is now running for re-election, addressed the current state of the club and, most notably, his relationship with head coach Hansi Flick.
Laporta’s media appearance comes shortly after the launch of his book, ‘This is How We Saved Barça’, where he reflects on his leadership between 2021 and 2026.
The presentation drew significant attention, with key figures such as sporting director Deco and Flick himself in attendance.
That detail alone showed the unity Laporta is eager to project during his campaign.
Relationship with Flick
During the interview, as relayed by Mundo Deprotivo, Laporta spoke openly about Flick and why he values the German coach so highly.
“What I like about him is that you can see he’s living this moment very intensely, not just on the bench, he lives the city, the people,” he began saying.
Laporta also revealed that the coach has privately expressed comfort with continuity at the board level.
“He has said that what he wants is for us to continue the board that I have had the privilege of chairing.
Laporta opened up about his relationship with Flick. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
“It’s understandable because we decided he should be the coach. We have created an environment that is right for him to do his job.
“Then the relationship is very sincere and we are very clear with each other.”
That alignment between the president and the manager could prove decisive, especially as rivals in the election promise sweeping changes.
Laporta went further, stating, “Flick is happy coaching Barça, but he has said that he is more comfortable if I continue, and I appreciate that.”
Presidential campaign
He then criticised campaign narratives focused heavily on transfer speculation.
“What I have, or what we defend, is a team that works very well, and the necessary adjustments will have to be made.
“Talking about signings is wishful thinking. We’re in the middle of the season, and if we made the decisions now, it would be so that the sports management could make adjustments for the summer.
“These stories are just election tactics to win votes, but they’re not serious,” he concluded.