Barcelona president talks Flick, goalkeeping situation, La Masia, financial levers, Camp Nou update

Barcelona president Joan Laporta attended a special event on Friday, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Penya Barcelonista d’Agramunt i comarca. He took the opportunity to address the club’s current situation, particularly in light of Marc ter Stegen’s serious injury.

While he did not confirm any specific player signings, such as Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, he indicated that the club is actively working on bringing in a new goalkeeper.

“We are working so that the goal does not suffer. And who is looking for him? Deco, who has gone through his difficulties,” revealed the president as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

Praise for Hansi Flick

As Barcelona prepares to face Osasuna, aiming to match the club’s best start in La Liga history, Laporta took a moment to commend the team’s performance under coach Hansi Flick.

“He’s doing an extraordinary job. I’ve been studying Barça for a long time.” 

He also shared his appreciation for the club’s youth academy, La Masia. Laporta emphasized that their choice to rely on young talent was a matter of conviction rather than necessity.

“We opted for La Masia not out of necessity but out of conviction. The squad now has more market value than when we arrived. And that’s also important for the economic recovery,” he added. 

Satisfied with the performance

Laporta also expressed satisfaction with the team’s current form, countering earlier concerns about the need for cautious expectations. He highlighted the importance of winning and the impact it has on the club’s overall atmosphere and morale.

“This is very important because when we came in there were those who said that we had to be cautious and that nothing would happen if we didn’t win. Of course, it happens if we don’t win.”

Looking ahead, Laporta mentioned that the club would soon announce its financial results for the past year and the budget for the current year following an Extraordinary Meeting on Monday.

He confidently stated that the club’s financial situation is improving and that they are on track for a complete recovery. He addressed any negative narratives surrounding the club’s finances, asserting that those claims would need to be reconsidered.

“The ordinary results (2023-24) are positive and that is why I can say that the wound is closed. We are increasingly convinced of completing the club’s recovery.” 

“There are those who insist on catastrophic proclamations that are neither here nor expected. Those who distort will have to work hard to ignore what is being done,” he explained.

Update on the new stadium

Additionally, Laporta updated attendees on the ongoing renovations at the Spotify Camp Nou. He expressed optimism about returning to the stadium either at the end of this year or early next year, depending on the league and Champions League schedules.

“We are working to return to the Spotify Camp Nou at the end of the year or the beginning of the next. 

“Depending on the calendar of the League and Champions League, we will announce the date of the return shortly.”

Finally, he reflected on the support from investors, noting that the club’s strong position has allowed them to secure sponsorships and financial backing.

“With the levers, we give strength to the club. The strength of the club is very great and that allowed us to find sponsors and investors. 

“We made the ‘lever’ of TV (sale in 2022 of 25% of the rights of LaLiga to Sixth Street for 25 years) but the situation was so bad that it was necessary to do more things,” he added.

Throughout the event, Laporta engaged with fans, taking time to sign autographs and pose for photos, reflecting the strong connection he maintains with the Barcelona community.