Joan Laporta says current Barcelona coach does not ‘look for excuses’

FC Barcelona are looking to continue building on the good work that has been done by Hansi Flick so far. Since the arrival of the German coach, La Blaugrana have seemingly adopted an extremely effective methodology and vision of playing. So far, both in La Liga and now in the Champions League as well, Barcelona are beginning to fly.

Top of the table in the Spanish First Division and having just demolished BSC Young Boys in a recent 5-0 victory, Barcelona are enjoying life under Hansi Flick so far. However, it would perhaps be unfair to say that only the players are getting to enjoy the success and fruit that Hansi Flick’s work is bringing about.

Even Joan Laporta, president of FC Barcelona, seems to be over the moon with the former Bayern Munich and German National team coach. Moreover, as highlighted by SPORT, Laporta even confirmed this by publicly stating during the open house of the Johan Cruyff Foundation what he thought of Flick’s time as Barça head coach so far, along with a particular compliment which could have a deeper meaning behind it:

“Flick doesn’t look for excuses. The injuries have been an issue, but he’s managing them very well. Some key players are recovering, and we’re looking forward to the return of De Jong, who already played a few minutes, as well as Fermín, Dani Olmo, and Gavi. The schedule demands that we have competitive and deep squads.”

This particular comment about not making excuses is one that may turn some heads. While it is not a guarantee, there is a possibility that this may have been a sly dig from Laporta at former coach and player Xavi Hernandez.

Having become rather noticeable with his expressions and reasonings for bad results at times near the end of his tenure, that element of Xavi’s tenure is something that continues to possibly plague his time as the team’s head coach.

However, there was more praise for Flick that came from Laporta as well. One element that the Barcelona president really seems to appreciate is the inclusion of the team’s youngsters, and how he believes that the German coach has done an ‘extraordinary’ job so far:

“I think the inclusion of players from the academy is yielding good results. Flick is doing an extraordinary job. He knew what he had to work with, and he’s handling it very well.”

Yet, Laporta did not opt to take credit for the appointment of Flick either. Instead, he made sure to even give Deco his flowers for being the man who was responsible for the appointment of the new Barcelona coach, who the club president labels as a ‘scholar’ and ‘enthusiast’ of Barça:

“Our director of football brought him in, and the sporting committee decided he should be our coach. Deco already told me he had confidence it would work out, that we needed a fresh boost. It was decided that Hansi Flick would be the one, and Hansi knows that Barça’s best times have come when we’ve had many academy players. He’s a scholar of Barça, a true enthusiast.”

So far, life has been pretty good for Hansi Flick and his young team. Fortunately for him, many injured players are also expected to return soon and he seems to be more than excited to have them back. However, while more challenges will definitely come his way, it will be a true test of his mettle to see how he overcomes them.