“Jules Kounde has had an incredible season, he transmits strength to me, he goes to the gym after the games, Inigo [Martinez], Sergi Roberto… We rely on everyone, but it depends on the coach. If he thinks adjustments need to be made, they will be made. There are players who are ending their contract, some who have asked us to leave, those on loan are coming back, like Ansu Fati, who has a tremendous desire to succeed according to what I read,” he told Barca One.
“Flick and Deco are deciding how the squad will look, the additions, the departures, the changes in physical preparation, rules in internal discipline, schedules at the Ciutat Esportiva… They will make the decisions, they will submit them to the board of directors and we will see. If they can be validated depending on this transition we are making towards economic peace of mind.”
It has been spoken ad nauseum that Barcelona must make a major sale in order to make it back within their salary limit this summer, and thus be able to make signings. The likes of Frenkie de Jong and Ronald Araujo have been mentioned as potential exits.
“It is not necessary as of today. There is a breach of contract by one of the partners who were going to join [Libero], and if we solve it, it will give us the ability to spend without restrictions. There are deals in motion that are allowing us grow our sponsorship. That is why I value so much the trust and patience of the cules who value the sense of responsibility that we have. An effort has been made, an exercise in resistance, we have peace of mind, let’s not rush now.”
In terms of loanees Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo, Laporta confirmed that Sporting Director Deco was working on deals to keep both the Atletico Madrid forward and the Manchester City full-back.
“We want them to continue for another season. Deco is working on it and we have the news that Flick believes they can be important. He already thought about them at Bayern. I am happy with the quality of Joao Félix, also with the admirable commitment of Ferran when he has not been injured, with Lewandowski…. Individually I am happy with everyone, but as a whole things have not gone well.”
“We have had many injuries, such as those of Gavi, Pedri, Frenkie, Araujo, Balde… The refereeing decisions. They did not favour us. They have carried out a campaign to discredit Barca with Negreira, animosity has been created in the stadiums, and the refereeing decisions have harmed us more than other times, such as Lamine’s goal at the Bernabeu. They have not made it easier for us. We haven’t had any luck in specific moments either, like against PSG for the red card to Araujo. We didn’t know how to compete with 10. But we can be proud of the grassroots football we have, we have an extraordinary teenager, a very good youth player.”
He did admit that they were looking for a midfielder to replace Sergio Busquets, in spite of the performances from Andreas Christensen and the prospect of Marc Casado.
“Christensen, who I have not named, has played as a defensive midfielder, but it is a position in which an addition must be made and players from Barça Atletic will come through, like Marc Casado, who is having a phenomenal season. We have a very well-rounded squad. and with the Atletic side, we can fill in some positions. Let’s maintain stability, the sense of responsibility and the transition towards economic recovery.”
