After successfully winning re-election as Barcelona president, Laporta gave an interview to the Diario Sport in the early hours of March 16, local time, elaborating on the grand goals of his next term.
He said that the next five years will be the best time for Barcelona, and the goal is to build a strong team, win championships and complete the construction of the new stadium. He affirmed the team's performance and the results of youth training, thanked the fans for their support, and was full of confidence in the club's competitive and economic development, and wished Barcelona a bright future.
63-year-old Laporta spent a long election day, from early morning to successfully winning re-election. Nevertheless, he stayed at the Camp Nou until the early hours of the morning, giving interviews to several media outlets. At 3 a.m., he accepted an exclusive interview in the 1899 Auditorium with Diario Sports, where he had just been announced as re-elected president at midnight.
You've been here for almost 19 hours, Mr. President, how are you feeling now?
Laporta: Very good, very happy, and full of gratitude. Thank you to all the Barcelona members who voted for us, and thank you to all the Barcelona fans, because this is a democratic event and a celebration of the spirit of Barcelona.
I especially want to say to those who support us, the next five years will be the best years of our lives. We will have a top team, continue to win, which is what all Barcelona fans are most looking forward to, and the team will bring us countless honors. This is our primary goal. In addition, we will have a stadium that can accommodate 105,000 people, 105,000 Barcelona fans cheering for the team, it will be wonderful to witness this scene, and it is also the guarantee of our club's future.
Raphinha scored a hat-trick, and Cancelo and Olmo also scored goals. Is this a destiny?
Laporta: You're smart, aren't you? Yes, sometimes there is such a destiny. But the most important thing is that Barcelona won. Cancelo was fouled by the opponent, and the referee awarded us an undisputed penalty, which Raphinha scored with a Panenka-style shot. Then he had the courage to take another penalty and score.
In addition, Cancelo and Olmo both scored wonderful goals. Bernal passed the ball and Olmo scored. The cooperation was wonderful. I would have liked the score to be 5-0, 6-0. The opponent scored a goal in the last moments of both the first and second halves, but it doesn't matter, a score of 5-2 is also very good, and it complements everything that happened afterwards.
Mr. President, what is the key to winning with such a big advantage?
Laporta: We found during the campaign that the media coverage of the election did not match the public opinion poll results we had. Our survey data was very powerful and had already predicted such a result. We found that the reports were inconsistent with the facts.
In addition, we held events in Mataró, Girona, Barcelona and other places, and also went to Andorra and Sitges. We had a great time in Sitges in the morning, and also went to Mercabarna and Sant Cugat. The venues were crowded with Barca fans, and we also went to Mollerussa, Tortosa, Tarragona, Badalona, Les Corts, Igualada, Vilafranca... Every event was packed, the chamber of venues and even the discos were crowded with people.
The headquarters of the Barcelona fan association in Vilafranca is located in a disco. I told them that I would go there more often. The scene was always crowded and they gave us great support. Barcelona fans from all walks of life and all social classes are supporting us, and our support base is very broad.
I know this is not consistent with what the outside world is saying, but today at the headquarters, I saw countless people coming to support us. We collected a lot of signatures, many people came specially, and we got to know them one by one. All in all, everything was very good, and the result was as we expected.
I would like to ask you, what are the key projects you plan for your next term?
Laporta: To build a top team, continue to strengthen the lineup under the leadership of Flick and Deco's recruitment, and win championship trophies. This is the wish of Barcelona fans, and we must also play beautiful football.
Complete the stadium renovation in the middle of the term, which means that Barcelona's future is guaranteed in terms of economic level and football event presentation. Continue to maintain the strong competitiveness of the women's football team and make all sports teams more competitive. Achieve economic growth through these decisions. I have said that the best years of our lives are waiting for us.
Have you called your mother yet?
Laporta: Yes, I called her and I said I couldn't go over and kiss her, but we expressed our love on the phone.
Who else did you think of when you were elected president today?
Laporta: Today I always think of my father, as always. I talked to my mother twice today. She went to bed early, but she was watching TV, constantly changing channels, and paying attention to the election. Your reports... to be honest, this also proves that you have provided assistance to Barcelona's internal democratic operation and to this celebration of the spirit of Barcelona. This is the meaning of the election of the president and the board of directors. I think this is a democratic celebration that demonstrates civic literacy. My mother was paying attention all the time. She said to me: "I think you will win." She had told me this a long time ago, and I also told her: "I believe we will win."
How to improve Flick's competitive plan?
Laporta: You want to know now. You should ask Deco this question...
You are avoiding the question...
Laporta: For example, today, we are very happy that Gavi has returned to the field after being absent for a long time due to injury. I saw that he was in very good condition and very outstanding. In addition, the La Masia youth training is still continuously transporting talents. Xavi Espart played the entire game today, and his ball control style is a typical Barcelona style. We have three young players on the field today, who can be said to have emerged: Cubarsi, Bernal and Yamal.
Cancelo played extremely well today, and we also have Fermín, Olmo, and Raphinha who scored a hat-trick. Lewandowski is always very threatening, and Bardghji is also very good on the field, with sharp attacks. I am very satisfied with the team's current situation. After the season, Deco can continue to advance his work. If Flick needs to make some adjustments, they can be implemented after the season.
For example, Gerard Martín, Flick called Xavi Espart Lahm, and Gerard Martín Maldini. It can be seen that Flick motivates the players very well. Marc Casadó is compared to Kimmich. He is a typical Barcelona-style player, intercepting, passing, intercepting again, passing again, always active on the field, and has a tenacious style. We have always needed this type of player. I hope De Jong can return as soon as possible.
Mr. President, let's raise a glass to celebrate.
Laporta: To all of you, to all Barcelona fans: Visca el Barça!