Barcelona President Joan Laporta
Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has renewed his criticism of Real Madrid, insisting that relations between the two clubs have completely broken down.
Speaking to L’Equipe ahead of Barcelona’s high-profile meeting with PSG and Real Madrid, Laporta accused the Spanish club of losing credibility and trying to divert attention from the Negreira case.
Laporta: “There is no relationship between us anymore”
Laporta was unequivocal when discussing the state of relations between Barcelona and Real Madrid.
“Real Madrid have lost credibility, both institutionally and in sporting terms,” he said.
Addressing the Negreira case, the Barcelona president added: “They want to divert attention, but there is nothing there. They no longer have any presence in the institutions. I think they have taken the wrong path and are paying the price for it.”
Real Madrid President, Florentino Perez and FC Barcelona President, Joan Laporta
Laporta insists Barcelona are at war with Real Madrid. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
“There is no relationship between us anymore. I would even say that we are now in confrontation with each other. They are trying to divert attention.” he further added.
The comments underline the growing divide between the two clubs, with Laporta making clear that he sees no prospect of a return to normal relations.
Laporta questions Real Madrid’s transfer strategy
The Barcelona president also reiterated his concerns about Real Madrid’s approach to recruitment, particularly following the arrival of Kylian Mbappe.
Laporta had previously warned that signing too many high-profile players could create problems within the squad.
“Having more than one rooster in the same henhouse can never work,” he said.
Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid superstar
Laporta was also critical of Real Madrid’s spending. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)
“In football, the priority is the collective and the team spirit. Without that, the project does not work.
“They have relied on their financial resources to pay very high sums for many players who are not delivering the results expected of them.”
Laporta contrasted Real Madrid’s strategy with Barcelona’s approach, which he believes is built around blending homegrown talent with players from different footballing backgrounds.
“Barcelona’s strength lies in having great talent, players from La Masia and players who come from other footballing cultures, and managing to build a team with the right chemistry.
“They have preferred individual talent and big signings. I think Real Madrid have lost credibility and are trying by every possible means to justify all of this by lying about the Negreira case, because they have gone two years without winning anything.
“We are winning and are candidates to win everything.”
Ex-Real Madrid star warns Mourinho about Vinicius, Mbappe: ‘Play improves when they have only one of the two’
Santiago Canizares, La Liga legend
Photo by Phil Cole/Getty Images
Real Madrid’s emphatic 4-1 win over Sevilla on Sunday night has prompted widespread praise for Jose Mourinho’s side.
The Portuguese coach made three changes to his starting line-up following Vinicius Jr.’s four-match suspension, imposed after the Brazilian was sent off in the previous match against Villarreal, which the Merengues won 1-0.
Former goalkeeper Santi Canizares was among those to assess Real Madrid’s first match without the winger.
Speaking on Spanish radio station COPE (h/t Defensa Central), the former goalkeeper argued that the team looks more balanced when only one of its two star forwards plays.
“Madrid’s play improves when they have only one of the two – Mbappe or Vinicius – up front,” Canizares said.
“They’re players who don’t track back; the team is more compact and better protected that way. Courtois is grateful for that. That’s why Madrid went into half-time having made just one good save,” he further noted.
Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid players
Real Madrid are better with only one of Vinicius or Mbappe reckons Canizares. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
“Their play lacks fluidity, but as they have very good players, they can score two goals without having to pull off any miracles. They were two superb goals from Güler and Mbappe.”
Diomande and Valverde provide width
Canizares also highlighted the contribution of Yan Diomande and Federico Valverde out wide, suggesting that their work on the flanks is an important part of Madrid’s tactical development.
“Diomande and Valverde’s contribution out wide is interesting; perhaps there hasn’t been much movement of the ball, but the build-up play involving Huijsen, when he links up with Güler, is much more fluid and much more like proper football,” he said.
“The important thing is that the team stays united and that, with consistency, it can continue to improve.”
The former Real Madrid and Valencia goalkeeper also believes Mourinho could successfully use Aurelien Tchouaméni and Valverde as a midfield pairing, provided the team offers them sufficient support.
“Tchouameni and Valverde can form a central midfield pairing perfectly well, even if they aren’t the most creative players. But if they had the full-backs and the players between the lines closer to them, they could play perfectly well,” he explained.
Federico Valverde, Real Madrid player
Valverde did well playing out wide. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)
“It’s a question of drawing players inside to play out wide, or everyone staying closer together so they can make easier passes.
“They’re not ball-jugglers, but they’re not bad players either. Depending on the intensity and commitment, the team is completely different.”
Canizares responds to the Guler refereeing controversy
The former goalkeeper also addressed the refereeing by Mateo Busquets Ferrer and Sevilla’s complaints over an alleged red card that Arda Guler escaped.
Canizares argued that Real Madrid have also been on the receiving end of unfavourable decisions this season, suggesting the incident involving Guler was not an isolated case.
“Madrid have been on the receiving end of refereeing decisions that haven’t gone their way, and nothing comes of it. What happened today with Güler has already happened to Madrid several times this season,” he noted.
However, he acknowledged that the available footage made it difficult to reach a definitive conclusion.
“We’re not entirely sure about the controversy because we haven’t seen it clearly,” Canizares added.