As the World Cup break approaches, Joan Laporta spoke to Diario SPORT about the current state of the Barcelona team and the future of Xavi Hernandez following the team’s early exit from the UEFA Champions League.
Laporta: Our priority is to win La Liga
After a strong start to the domestic season, Laporta reaffirmed that Barcelona’s principal aim is to win La Liga.
“I find this season’s opening stage to be valuable. The team has progressed and become more competitive but is still in the early stages. But high hopes have already started to be raised. La Liga is the main focus this year,” Laporta said.
“We typically leave the Champions League with great goals, but due to unforeseen circumstances, we could not participate. It was a significant blow.”
“But the League is the goal, and we sincerely hope we can stay on the right track. He continued that we could compete and have a chance to take home the title.”
“The club is always in motion, it’s very lively, and because it offers other sports, there’s always competition, so you have to be on guard.”
“But,” he remarked, “we will indeed be able to enjoy Christmas this year as League champions, which is crucial for everyone’s well-being and the team’s confidence.”
President Laporta: "This year's priority is @LaLiga." [sport] #fcblive ?
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) November 12, 2022
Laporta responds to queries about Xavi’s fate
In response to questions concerning Xavi’s future, Laporta continued, “At any stage, we have not doubted.”
“We have never had any reservations about the club legend this season. We have complete faith in Xavi’s ability as a coach.”
“I can confirm that we are quite proud of our coach. He is a coach who is extremely familiar with the team and aware of his arrival time.”
“Additionally, he is skilled at sharing everything that can improve with the many club players.”
? Laporta: "We have total confidence in Xavi and I can assure you that we are very proud of the coach we have. He knows the club very well. He informs the club of everything that can be improved." pic.twitter.com/FXvDPHWPZE
— BarƧa Capricorn ā (@capricorn_barca) November 12, 2022
Laporta is happy with how new signings have performed
Despite pointing out players who have fallen short of expectations, Laporta is pleased with how the new additions have performed.
“Every signing is up to expectations. And with a great deal of space for development.”
“Footballers like Christensen, Kessie, or Bellern are players we haven’t been able to see at their peak for various reasons, but we still have complete faith in them.”
“Together with DembĆ©lĆ©, who we have renewed, Raphinha is a fantastic addition and strengthens us on the flanks.”
Robert Lewandowski’s strong start to the season was further praised by the president of Barcelona, who added, “The absorption of Lewandowski has been important for this club to have the packaging of a champion team and that can achieve many successes.”
“Lewandowski has the talent for scoring goals and the wisdom always to keep an eye on his teammates and offer sound counsel. The man stated that he portrays us in a very positive light and is a serious, responsible individual.”
?ļø Laporta on Lewandowski's signing
?ļø "The addition of Lewandowski has been essential for this team to have champion team packaging and that it can achieve many successes."
— BarƧa Buzz (@Barca_Buzz) November 12, 2022
After that, Laporta praised another acquisition, Jules Kounde, and shared his opinions on a few others, such as Marcos Alonso and Pablo Torre.
“KoundĆ© has achieved tremendous success. He immediately gained the confidence of all Barcelona supporters due to the security he provided. He plays center-back quite consistently.”
“Our newly acquired full-back Marcos Alonso has been forced to play in central defense and is excelling there.”
“Pablo Torre is a fairly young player, but Xavi is paying great attention to him and giving him playing time. They have all adapted to the BarƧa system quite well.”
Laporta on the January transfer window
Laporta hinted at potential activity by providing details about Barcelona’s upcoming winter transfer window plans.
“We created a plan throughout the summer and essentially met every goal we set for ourselves. Compared to last season, our team is stronger. We are continually considering ways to make it better.”
“Injuries have prevented us from realizing the signings’ potential for this club,” he stated.
According to Laporta, Barcelona may find it challenging to add players in January, but the club will make every effort to work out a deal with the authorities.
“To sign in the winter, we need to add players who enhance what we already have, which is complex.”
“Especially given that we still experience fair play issues due to being kicked out of the Champions League, which has decreased our allocated income. La Liga has previously forewarned us that our signing capacity will decline.”
“By negotiating with La Liga to reevaluate its interpretation and generating additional revenue through triumphs in the Europa League or the Spanish Super Cup, we will attempt to reverse it. Even during a few friendlies during the World Cup.”
