Joan Laporta gave an interview to Món Esport in which he reviewed several issues of interest, including sports planning, economic issues, Raphinha &Flick, election, etc.
On Flick:
The renewal of the coach, Hansi Flick, is the pivotal section of this interview. Laporta clarified that by the wish of the German coach this matter is postponed until the end of the current season's competition. "He prefers at the end of the season to analyse the situation and decide what to do," Laporta said. The president stressed that the coach "has earned continuity" and opted to "consolidate such a competitive Barça".
"At the end of the season, calmly, we will talk about it. He doesn't have that need. He is a very honest man with himself and very professional. I think he has earned the contract renewal, but he prefers to talk about it at the end of the season, analyse the situation and decide what to do. If we do one more year, it already has it. I think he has the feeling that, if he had many years of contract, someone might think that he relaxes," added the president-elect.
On Economic solutions:
Laporta claims that "All La Liga clubs face very strict economic control". "We'll achieve revenues of 1.1 billion euros, more than expected. This will help us a lot in obtaining the fair play needed to make signings."
Laporta also highlights the club's support for the coach's decision on transfer signings despite under serious economic crisis:"Xavi asked for Gündogan and we signed him". "Despite our financial situation, we have managed to bring the signings that our managers have wanted"
On transfer strategies & La Masia:
During the interview, Laporta raised his voice and warned that "we don't need to go to the market for the sake of going and we must continue to look at what we have at home to, if necessary, improve the squad". "I understand that we will improve in all aspects, but I must say that what I think should be done after getting such a competitive team is to maintain it and consolidate it," he said. For that goal, La Masia is always fundamental. "I believe in it! I already did it in my first stage. In this I am not doubtful. I have always had in mind that the best Barça – even better, the best Barça in history – has been when we have had a cohort of players from home with others of great quality who have come from abroad," he argued. "Now we have a lot!" he exclaimed in relation to the homegrown players. Hence, he warned that "we will only sign if the football management asks us for a player or two who can reinforce this great team we have".
On presidential election:
Laporta hoped "not to offend anyone for having danced a little" after the clear electoral victory and called the complaint filed by a Barça member in the National Court a "dirty move". "Surely there are many people who are very interested in dominating Barça, both 600 kilometers away and here. At a time when there is an electoral process there are so many interests to try to run the club...", he said before adding: "For my part I could have used some stories that at the time they communicated to us and I have not done so because it is not my style, but on the other hand others have no qualms about playing dirty".
On Negreira Case:
As for the periodic attacks on Barça as a result of the 'Negreira Case', Laporta attributed it to the fact that "those who want to harm us never rest". "They wanted to erase a part of Barça's most glorious history," he insisted. "Relations with Real Madrid, as a result of the Negreira case, are now very deteriorated," he acknowledged.
On Raphinha's injury:
The window of international matches will leave Barça in such an important stretch of the season without one of their best players due to injury, Raphinha. Laporta admitted that this mishap "bothers a lot" and advocated improving the calendar with FIFA. "In some way we should demand FIFA to make an international calendar that takes into account the competitions that the most important clubs have. It is true that in a friendly match between France and Brazil in the United States, one of the best players in the squad got injured is very annoying. And it's clear, you can't dump the responsibility of not playing to the player either, because they are professionals and, moreover, they play for their country and give everything. And it's normal," he said.