One day after lifting the Spanish Super Cup, Barcelona president Joan Laporta reviewed the current state of the club in interviews with RAC1 and Catalunya Radio.
During the chat, the Barça chief addressed several key issues related to the club, such as the future of Hansi Flick and Marc-Andre ter Stegen, the transfer market, Raphinha’s form, the stadium situation, as well as the upcoming presidential elections.
Praise for Flick, Raphinha
Laporta was full of praise for Hansi Flick’s work since arriving at the club, his ability to get the best out of the squad and the strong bond he has formed with Barça.
“I hope he stays for many more seasons,” he said, as quoted by SPORT.
“I tell the fans to be calm because he has a contract for several more years and, above all, Hansi Flick’s contract is made with the heart because of the bond he’s built with the club and the city of Barcelona, where he feels very comfortable.”
This comes amid reports that Barcelona intend to extend Flick’s contract, which currently runs until 2027, by another year.
The Barcelona president was also full of praise for Raphinha, who has stepped up to a whole new level over the past 18 months, after having made a rather slow start upon his arrival in 2022.
“Some players need time. He was already a great player in the Premier League, and he has that leader’s spirit,” Laporta explained, via SPORT.
“Yesterday he was MVP and gave me the image at the moment of maximum euphoria,” he added with satisfaction.
On Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s future and Joao Cancelo
Laporta also touched upon Barcelona’s plans for the ongoing January transfer window, where the future of Marc-Andre ter Stegen has become a major topic of debate.
The club captain is now essentially the third-choice goalkeeper and has been linked with a loan move away so that he can play regularly before the World Cup.
“Ter Stegen has a contract, and if he’s happy and wants to stay, he’ll be with us,” Laporta said, stressing that the position is well covered.
“With the three goalkeepers we have, the squad is well balanced, and that’s how it needs to be in such a demanding season,” he added.
Talking about the impending signing of Joao Cancelo and whether he will be the only player to arrive, Laporta remarked:
“If Cancelo has been the only signing, you should ask Deco. Our objective was to strengthen the defence. He’s a player who can play in many positions, a signing that’s worth three.”
On Camp Nou and elections
Laporta also touched upon the North Goal stand at the Spotify Camp Nou, hoping that Barcelona hope to receive the necessary permits to reopen the area as early as possible.
“We hope Gol Nord can reopen. We thought it would be on the 7th,” he lamented, explaining that the club is still waiting on the necessary permits.
“I don’t understand why it hasn’t happened yet. There has been a good understanding, and I hope it gets unblocked as soon as possible.”
Laporta also confirmed that he is still weighing when to call elections, a decision he considers important for Barça’s immediate future.
“Thinking about sporting planning, yes, it would help to hold them earlier,” he admitted, acknowledging that “elections create tension and distortions within the club.”
“From March 15 onwards could be a possibility,” he said, although he also left open the option of holding them at the end of the season.
“Once the season is over, there are about 15 days in June that could work,” he explained.
In any case, Laporta promised clarity soon: “We want to announce the date in January or, at the latest, at the beginning of February.”
Source link
Add Comment