Yahoo Sports Former Barcelona president does not rule out Xavi’s return in the future, impressed by Flick
Former Barcelona president Joan Gaspart has suggested that it is possible for Xavi to make a return to the club in the future.
Gaspart, a key figure in the Barça community, shared his thoughts during an interview (h/t Mundo Deportivo).
The interview covered several pressing issues surrounding the club, such as the team’s financial situation, the coaching change, the promising start to the season, and the goalkeeper dilemma following Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s injury.
Even with the team’s positive results under their current coach, Gaspart acknowledged the successful work of Xavi during his time at the helm. He noted that Xavi led the team to a La Liga title, and it wasn’t by mere luck.
“Xavi comes to Barça and wins the League, and we did not win it at the last second. It is possible that he will return to Barça, as he wants,” said Gaspart.
“We will not be unfair to Xavi, who does not deserve it,” he added.
Happy with Hansi Flick
The former president also expressed his satisfaction with Hansi Flick’s current performance as Barcelona’s coach, praising the team’s strong start to the season.
He remarked that Barça fans have every reason to feel hopeful and excited about the team’s progress.
“Always optimistic, and from a sporting point of view, Barça members have to be excited, enthusiastic and hopeful.
“From a sporting point of view, which is the most important thing at Barça, I am very happy.”
In his view, the change in leadership has positively impacted the team. He highlighted Flick’s disciplined approach, contrasting it with previous management styles.
“The German character is very different with football and with life. From the first to the 90th minute, we played as if our first leg depended on it. I really like Flick as a coach and as a person,” he added.
Goalkeeping situation
Gaspart also weighed in on the current issues in the goalkeeper position, following Ter Stegen’s injury.
While he sees Inaki Pena as a potential solution, he agrees with Flick on the need to sign a new goalkeeper, stating that having a top-level keeper is crucial, particularly for a club like Barcelona.
“Inaki Pena could be one, but I agree with Flick that a goalkeeper has to be signed.
“The goalkeeper is a key piece in a football team, and even more so in Barça, and for this reason they need an exceptional goalkeeper.”
Thoughts on Laporta and Co.
Though Gaspart admitted that he did not vote for Joan Laporta, he remains optimistic about Barcelona’s future, both on the pitch and in terms of finances.
“From an economic point of view, I am not worried. The accounts will be audited. We will have a profit in the ordinary budget after having been losing in recent years,” he explained.
When it comes to the club’s presidency, Gaspart shared that the next members’ meeting will take place in person, a decision he discussed with Laporta.
However, he remains unsure whether Laporta will run for re-election, leaving that decision in the hands of the club’s members.
“I can tell you exclusively that the next members’ meeting will be in person because that’s how I agreed with President Laporta.
“I don’t know if Mr. Laporta, I don’t know if he will stand or not, he will say what he has to say… and the members will decide,” he concluded.
