Earlier than flying to Japan a day later than deliberate, FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta sat down for an in depth interview with .
In the course of the chat, the Barça chief , the Camp Nou scenario, and the ambitions for the long run. He additionally delved deeper into the membership’s sporting technique and the Honest Play scenario.
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Reflecting on the present squad, the president expressed satisfaction with having preserved the core from final season.
The additions of Joan Garcia, Marcus Rashford, and Swedish prospect Roony Bardghji (initially with Barça Atletic) have added power, however Laporta made it clear: the final word purpose stays the Champions League.
He emphasised that the membership’s major purpose this summer season was to not construct from scratch, however to retain what was already working.
“Our fundamental focus and obsession was to maintain the crew from final season, as a result of it was a historic one. We needed to protect that crew spirit and refused to even take into account many affords we obtained. The coach requested for extra firepower up entrance,” stated Laporta.
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“With Marcus Rashford, we have now that now. And Deco’s foresight concerning what would possibly occur with Marc-Andre has been key in reinforcing the goalkeeping place. Joan Garcia has been coaching spectacularly – Barça followers will love him.”
Regardless of the fixed hypothesis round switch markets, Laporta confirmed that the membership considers its summer season aims full.
“With Roony Bardghji, there may be a whole lot of hope. He’s an explosive participant, the sort you take pleasure in watching. This season, we have now already achieved what we got down to do.”
Relating to the potential for additional signings earlier than the window closes, the president was direct, confirming that .
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On the subject of outgoings, Laporta indicated that whereas some wage trimming will happen, the membership doesn’t plan any high-profile gross sales purely for monetary acquire.
“We will probably be making financial savings by way of wages. Pablo Torre has already left, and different strikes are being finalised. However I don’t suppose a serious sale will occur, although we have now obtained affords.
“It might break the spirit of this crew, which has received over the followers – we need to maintain that spirit and that magic.”
Laporta made clear that the membership will attempt to keep away from painful exits, saying: “That’s what I meant. We’ll attempt to keep away from any painful departures. I can’t title particular gamers, as a result of all of them belong to Barça and we’re delighted with all of them.
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“However we do have too many gamers in some positions and one thing must be performed. That will probably be as much as the coach and to Deco.”
The Honest Play scenario
Laporta assured about returning to 1:1 rule. (Picture by Eric Alonso/Getty Photos)
Requested concerning the steps Barça should take to adjust to LaLiga’s demanding 1:1 monetary rule, Laporta defined the scenario intimately.
“We have to cut back the wage invoice, and there are different facets the membership should nonetheless finalise. Every thing is in movement and shifting in the appropriate route, which can permit us to register the gamers,” he remarked.
“We’re working onerous to interpret LaLiga’s monetary guidelines accurately. Prior to now, this era was disturbing due to signings and gross sales. Now the stress is about registering gamers.”
Relations with La Liga have improved in recent times, and Laporta is optimistic concerning the end result of the necessary €100 million operation involving VIP seat rights at Spotify Camp Nou – a key a part of attaining the 1:1 rule.
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“I’m satisfied this can work. I can’t think about it being every other manner. That operation brings in €100 million – we have now already collected €58 million, which is what LaLiga required to activate the 1:1 rule.
“Now, resulting from media strain, the auditors are demanding extra effort. This comes from exterior pressures which have made auditors really feel they should be stricter. To me, that’s extremely debatable – however I respect and settle for it.”
He expressed frustration with the complexity of the forms concerned, saying: “At this price, they’ll ask us to face on our heads with our tongues out. I have no idea what extra they need. We’re a membership that generates nearly €1 billion in income.
“All these guidelines and necessities really feel like roadblocks that, frankly, don’t make a lot sense for a membership of our scale. And we’re about to have a brand-new stadium – one which will probably be a worldwide reference level and herald enormous income.
“So sure, warning is sweet, however typically the calls for positioned on us are excessive. Nonetheless, we face them – and we often come by.”
Even when Barça can’t return to the Spotify Camp Nou simply but and should proceed at Montjuic, Laporta confirmed that contractual obligations across the 475 VIP seats can nonetheless be honoured.
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“Sure. Even after we play the Gamper on the Johan Cruyff Stadium, we’ll activate a VIP space. We’re contractually obliged to take action, and we’re complying—even when it means organising an exterior tent. We at all times discover options,” he said.
On presidential elections
Looking forward to the 2026 presidential elections, Laporta admitted that the matter has not but taken up a lot of his consideration.
“Actually, I’ve not thought of it. I’m nonetheless centered on registering our new gamers. I’m additionally very busy with the stadium – we’re doing every part we will to beat the remaining obstacles and return to Spotify Camp Nou as quickly as attainable,” he stated.
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“As for the election 12 months, I’ve not deliberate something but. The membership’s authorized division absolutely has it mapped out to some extent.”
The Barça chief acknowledged that elections should happen between 15 March and 15 June and mirrored on the potential timing.
“Sure, they should be held between 15 March and 15 June. We’ll see. It’s true that the second half of the season could be a bit disruptive – or possibly not. It relies on how issues go.”
With the Champions League last scheduled for early June in Budapest, Laporta shared a dialog he had with the gamers, revealing their mindset heading into the brand new marketing campaign.
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“The opposite day, talking with the gamers, it was nice to see how proud they’re of final season – however much more, how a lot they need to right what went fallacious and make it proper this 12 months.”
In keeping with the newest Observatori Blaugrana, 86% of membership members approve of Laporta’s administration. But, he says there may be nonetheless loads of work forward.
“Sure. There’s at all times way more to do. We have to inaugurate the stadium – that’s the fundamental purpose: to complete building by the top of summer season 2026. Then, we have now to put in the roof,” he insisted.
“And naturally, there are extra titles to win—or so I hope. We should maintain this philosophy alive, which I imagine resonates deeply with Barça followers.”
Laporta closed the dialog on a hopeful notice, saying: “We’re right here to serve the membership, continually enthusiastic about how one can make Barça higher, how one can make culers completely happy.
“We have now introduced pleasure again to Barcelona followers. I’m very pleased with that – however we should preserve this degree. Barça followers ought to stay in pleasure, pleasure, and the happiness of supporting this membership.”
