Laporta: The man who arrives and revolutionises

The 2020/21 campaign has been a disappointing season for Barcelona, but new president Joan Laporta has been in this situation before - and succeeded. During his previous spell as president, he carried out two major squad overhauls - one in 2003 and the other in 2008 - but it was the first that will give Barcelona fans enormous encouragement that he can revolutionise the team once more.

After winning the presidential election in 2003, his first major decision was to relieve Radomir Antic of his duties and appoint Frank Rijkaard, the man who would lead the club to Champions League glory in 2006.

On the pitch, having failed to secure David Beckham's signature, Laporta was not discouraged. He brought in Ronaldinho, Quaresma, Rafael Marquez, Luis Garcia, Mario, Rustu, Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Edgar Davids for a combined outlay of 42.5 million euros.

However, the most significant change he made was to clear out the squad's deadwood, which took place in record time over the summer and winter.

In the summer, Fabio Rochemback, Robert Enke, Frank de Boer, Philippe Christanval, Enrique Riquelme and Giovanni were all sold, while the loans of Gaizka Mendieta and Juan Pablo Sorin were not extended.

In the winter market, Roberto Bonano was loaned to Real Murcia, Dani Garcia left in January and Fernando Navarro went on loan to Albacete. Also, youth team player Roberto Trashorras left and Alfonso Perez joined Real Betis.

Now, Laporta finds himself in an almost identical situation, with uncertainty over Ronald Koeman's future and a squad in desperate need of restructuring. There is a defining summer up ahead.

Although the 2003/04 season did not see Barcelona lift a trophy, it paved the way for the success that came in the following years. Barcelona will hope that their president will be able to repeat the trick and restore them to the summit of European football.