Barcelona president controversially talks Messi, Koeman, and Xavi

Joan Laporta has had a busy few weeks since the defeat to Benfica in Portugal. His reportedly strained relationship with Ronald Koeman did not get any better with a string of poor results.

The President of the club was actively on the lookout for new options to take over the Barcelona dressing room. In two weeks, the Spaniard considered several options, however, decided finally that Koeman deserved another chance.

Laporta spoke to the press for the first time after the coach-changing debacle and talked about a range of topics from Lionel Messi to Xavi Hernandez.

When asked about La Liga and the potential CVC deal, he said he opted against it as the club could not afford any more debt, even though it came at the cost of Lionel Messi.

“La Liga explained the CVC deal to us in detail, saying it was the only way to keep Messi. But no, we don’t need more debt. We could still sign it if the terms are modified.”

Speaking about the Argentine, he controversially said: “I couldn’t have asked Leo Messi to play for free. I had some hope that he would suggest it himself, but PSG were pressuring him. Originally, of course, he wanted to stay.”

When asked if La Liga would accept such a deal, Laporta said, “I think La Liga would have accepted it.”

The President then spoke about French winger Ousmane Dembele, saying that he should be fit in the coming week: “Ousmane (Dembélé) should be back next week.”

Laporta has not been known to be a big fan of Xavi Hernandez taking over at Barcelona so early in his managerial career. On the topic of the club legend, he said, “I speak a lot with Xavi. We like to commentate about things.”

The ever lingering question was that of Ronald Koeman’s future. Needless to say, a vast part of the interview was linked to the Dutchman. Laporta said that Koeman loved the club and still had a year on his contract.

“Koeman is a culé like all of us and loves Barça. He has one year left on his contract and we have to respect that.”

He further justified his decision to stick with the Dutchman saying that Koeman did not have many players to work with.

“The decision is that Koeman continues. After listening to people I trust, I have come to the conclusion that I must act as I did with Rijkaard. He didn’t have Dembélé. We lack goalscorers and he doesn’t have Kun. I think it is only fair to give him a margin.”

Finally, he also spoke about the contract renewals of the various teenage stars in Barcelona. On this, he said that good news could be expected in the coming weeks.

“We are trying to renew the contracts of our youngsters. In a week, we will have some good news. The renewals of Pedri and Ansu are well advanced.”

Source: Barça TV