Joan Laporta talks Messi and Koeman’s future following victory in Copa final

It had been 711 days long wait for the Cules across the globe to celebrate the next title. However, it seems that with Joan Laporta, the titles have come back to Barcelona too. After an emphatic victory against Athletic Bilbao in the final of Copa Del Rey, the talismanic president addressed the fans.

After a catastrophic defeat against Bayern in the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Finals last year, the entire footballing fraternity felt that it would be a long walk uphill for the Catalans to win any title. The squad went through a transition as many veteran players moved elsewhere, including probably one of the best strikers in the modern era, Luis Suarez. The team had to do without a quality No.9 upfront.

The first photo of Mr. Koeman celebrating with the trophy! pic.twitter.com/plHQySM093

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) April 18, 2021

Slowly and steadily, Ronald Koeman has brought massive improvements to the squad. The major area where he has worked seems to the mentality of the team. Laporta also had words of appreciation for the Dutch legend. “He is doing an excellent job,” said the Catalan lawyer on Koeman’s continuity.

Koeman had to deal with Lionel Messi’s saga during his initial days too. There was a lot of uncertainty around the Argentine’s future. Multiple reports were floating around day in day out about his next possible destination. However, the Dutchman’s zeal to rate quality above the seniority seems to be working. Messi shares an exceptional bond with all the junior players.

There has been a visible change in Leo’s attitude. The six-time Ballon D’ Or winner certainly seems to be happier than ever and looks closer to staying each passing day. Other than that, Messi also has an extraordinary relationship with Laporta, which will surely catalyze the process of his contract renewal.

Leo and Laporta hugging in the dressing room after the game. pic.twitter.com/OsB9ElmQZM

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) April 18, 2021

“Lionel Messi is the best player in the world; we are convinced that he wants to stay with us; we will do everything in our efforts to keep him with us,” said Laporta on Messi’s future.

Yesterday’s win in the final will surely give this young squad much-needed motivation to bounce back in the league after a defeat in the Clásico. Barça currently has eight games remaining in the league. Only two points separate Barça and the table toppers. If the Catalan club can reproduce what they did yesterday, we are surely in for a fierce title race.

Source: Barça TV+