Barcelona president gives rallying speech after back-to-back defeats: “We will never give up”

It has been a tough past week or so for FC Barcelona as they first suffered a big setback in the defence of their La Liga title, losing 2-4 to current leaders Girona at home.

That was followed by an even more shocking 3-2 defeat away to Royal Antwerp in the UEFA Champions League group-stage encounter.

Given the performances in the recent past, coupled with the last two results, alarm bells have begun to ring at the club, with pressure mounting on manager Xavi Hernandez and the players.

Joan Laporta rallies his troops

Amidst the situation, Barcelona president Joan Laporta called upon everyone at the club to stay together and united, during his speech at the club’s Christmas dinner party last night.

“Despite the sporting disappointments that are also part of the world of sport, we will never give up as long as day after day we feel proud to represent the best club in the world,” Laporta said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

Barcelona held the club’s Christmas dinner at the Palau Blaugrana, attended by directors, coaches and players.

Laporta presided over an event attended by first-team boss Xavi, members of the board of directors, sporting director Deco, the coaches of all the professional sections, the respective technical staff, as well as players, members of the staff, and members of all the club’s departments.

Continuing his rallying call, Laporta added: “We will go out to compete in all four competitions: Super Cup, Copa del Rey, La Liga and Champions League.

“I ask you to support, and today more than ever, and more than ever in these days, our players and our coach to accompany them on the road to victory. Together we can do it.”

As things stand, Barcelona are seven points behind Girona in La Liga, with a trip to Valencia coming up this weekend.

As far as the Champions League is concerned, the Catalans are through to the knockout stages as group leaders despite the defeat to Antwerp. They will learn their Round of 16 opponents this coming Monday when the draw takes place.