Joan Laporta on FC Barcelona vs. Real Madrid
Joan Laporta, the president of FC Barcelona, recently articulated the fundamental differences between his club and their long-standing rivals, Real Madrid. In a candid discussion on Barcelona’s official podcast, Laporta emphasized that while Madrid operates on a model centered around acquiring established players and asserting dominance, Barcelona prides itself on nurturing talent through its renowned La Masia academy.
“We see ourselves as more than just a football club; we focus on our identity and values,” Laporta remarked.
He contrasted the two clubs by stating,
“Real Madrid embodies a sense of power, while we embody freedom. Each club prioritizes its own interests, but we maintain a respectful rivalry. Our approach is to cultivate young prospects rather than relying heavily on signing high-profile players. Real Madrid’s roster features fewer academy graduates compared to ours.”
Barcelona’s Spending History
Notably, Laporta acknowledged Barcelona’s history of significant spending, revealing that the club has invested over €100 million at least three times within the last ten years for players such as Philippe Coutinho, Ousmane Dembélé, and Antoine Griezmann. He also mentioned past high-stakes transfers, including Neymar, Luis Suárez, and Frenkie de Jong.
Response from Real Madrid’s Coach
Real Madrid’s coach Xabi Alonso responded to Laporta’s comments without directly engaging in the rivalry, suggesting that both clubs possess elements of power and freedom.
“I understand the context of what was said, but I believe both clubs exhibit characteristics of democracy and freedom as well. It’s a two-way street, really,”
Alonso stated prior to an upcoming Club World Cup match against Salzburg.
Rumors of Strained Relations with Athletic Club
In his remarks, Laporta also addressed rumors regarding strained relations with Athletic Club, which have emerged following Barcelona’s pursuit of winger Nico Williams. Deco, Barça’s sporting director, has indicated that Williams expressed a keen interest in joining the team, catching the attention of Athletic officials who have threatened to escalate their complaints to LaLiga and the Royal Spanish Football Federation. They contend that Barcelona’s decision to activate Williams’ release clause might clash with financial fair play regulations.
“I find Athletic’s reaction puzzling,” Laporta commented. “Each club should manage its own affairs. Their concerns regarding our pursuit of Williams are unwarranted; we’re prepared to operate within the rules. We are poised to sign both the players we are targeting.”
The first signing Laporta referenced was goalkeeper Joan García, who joined from Espanyol for €25 million. The second player remains Williams, as Barcelona continues to navigate the forthcoming transfer landscape with ambition.
