Laporta talks Xavi, Messi, captains, Kounde, Lewandowski, El Clasico, refereeing controversy

There has been pressure mounting on Barcelona after their recent poor run of form in Europe, which has left them on the brink of an exit from the UEFA Champions League.

And club president Joan Laporta spoke in an interview to reassure fans of the team’s objectives and plans for the season.

The Barça head honcho started off by claiming that the club’s ambition this season is to win the La Liga title. “The goal this season is La Liga,” he said (h/t BarçaTV+).

He then thanked all the fans who came out to support Barcelona in their 3-3 draw against Inter Milan earlier this week, saying: “I thank all the fans who encouraged the team against Inter, I am sad that the victory was not achieved, now the page must be turned.”

The Barcelona president then admitted that better things were expected from the team after the excellent summer window, as he said:

“I didn’t expect our situation to be like this at this point in the season. This summer we have done everything we could to build a competitive team.”

Laporta also reflected on the poor officiating that Barcelona have had to bear the brunt of this season, having been denied clear penalties in the games against Bayern Munich and Inter Milan, while also having a goal disallowed.

“We could have won against Bayern and the referee didn’t give us a penalty for a foul on Dembele… What happened against Inter was scandalous,” he said.

The Barcelona president insisted that he still trusts Xavi Hernandez, his coaching staff and the team, saying: “I still have the same confidence in the team and the coaching staff. It’s a team under construction, we know we have to change things.

“This squad can compete against the big European clubs. It is necessary to adjust the team with the new players. The league is our goal. Let’s go all out for the league.”

On the chances of making the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League, he said: “It’s not a matter of hope. We have to win the two remaining games. Inter and Plzen play before us so we will know the result before we play Bayern. Now I would put the Champions League to one side and focus on La Liga.”

“The UCL group stage is very complicated but I like to talk when things are done. I’m left with the support of the fans and it shows that they are very excited about this Barça,” he added.

Further backing manager Xavi, he said: “Xavi has everyone’s trust, he’s a great coach, and I’m convinced he will improve and give us a lot of success.”

“I always speak to Xavi in his office after games. I saw him sad and upset, but he has a virtue. When we are in a complicated situation he always sees the positive side,” Laporta added.

On the financial implications of the possible group-stage exit from the UCL, Laporta said: : “We could have a deficit of €20m-€25 million in case of being knocked out of the UCL but we will make up for it with sponsorship income, shirt sales and additional income from the Europa League if we go there.”

The Barcelona captains have been targeted after the Inter Milan game, with Gerard Pique, in particular, copping a lot of criticism. Talking about the club skippers, the president said:

“The captains have given a lot to Barcelona and deserve all our respect and admiration. The relationship with them is good.”

Laporta then requested fans to continue backing the team and Xavi, saying: “I want to say to the fans that I want them to continue believing that we have a very competitive team and that it will give us a lot of joy. The fans have to support Xavi. Xavi needs it.”

He also confirmed that Jules Kounde will be travelling with the rest of the squad to Madrid for El Clasico this weekend, as he said: “Kounde will travel to Madrid with the group.”

On the upcoming Clasico against Real Madrid, Laporta insisted it was a great chance for the team to bounce back after the debacle in midweek. “It is a great opportunity for this team at the Bernabéu after Wednesday’s result,” he said.

“It’s fun to go and play at the Bernabéu. It’s one of those games that’s fun to play, I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in some great Barça games.”

Heaping praise on new signing Robert Lewandowski, Laporta claimed: “Lewandowski brings a lot of professionalism and credibility. His attitude towards his teammates is great, he is a leader.”

The president also confirmed that plans are being made for the January transfer window, saying: “This team is building itself. There are still adjustments to be made that will make it even better.

“We are working for the winter market. We are in talks with the sporting staff and the coaching staff, with the intention of constantly improving this team.”

Laporta also confirmed that the club plans to honour former captain and legend Lionel Messi, while also stating that he will meet the Argentine in France next week at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.

“We want to honour Messi, the best player in history. I’ll see him in Paris on Monday,” Laporta said. “I know that Barça means a lot to Messi,” he added.

“Sunday will be the 18th anniversary of Messi’s first match,” the president pointed out.

When quizzed if the 35-year-old would return to Barcelona next year, Laporta responded: “Messi is a PSG player now and we have to respect that, I can’t talk about his return now.”

He once again reaffirmed that the Blaugrana have what it takes to bounce back from the current predicament, saying: “We will get out of this situation, we have the ability to do so.”

On the importance of El Clasico, Laporta said: “El Clasico is always very important, we have a better system. I hope to be the leader at the end of the game. You will also see the team’s ability to answer, when you fall down the most important thing is to get up.”

Reiterating the need to honour Messi, the president added: “We are aware of the importance of honouring Messi, there are many people who still wear his shirts.”

There had been reports of Laporta being furious after the game against Inter Milan doing the rounds in the media. And he seemed to have confirmed it indirectly, when he said:

“If I had this interview yesterday, I wouldn’t have come in this spirit, but I will continue to feel confident in the team and Xavi.”