Barcelona president Joan Laporta has openly discussed the circumstances surrounding Xavi’s departure towards the end of the past season, revealing a disagreement over squad strength as a key factor.

Xavi, who initially decided to stay before being sacked, clashed with Laporta regarding the team’s capabilities, prompting the president to address the situation publicly.

Laporta has now done exactly that, telling the in-house network Barca One about the disagreement that led to Xavi’s departure.

“Xavi did a good job,” Laporta stressed. “He took over the team at a time of maximum difficulty.

“Last year he won La LIga and the Super Cup. This season, things have not gone well, to the point that Xavi said he would not continue. I accepted it at the end the season because Xavi is a Cule at heart and it was better not to change coaches in the middle of the season.

“Then he asked us to continue and I asked him if he believed in the team and he told me he did. What changed? He didn’t seem able to continue withstanding the pressure. There was a press conference in which he changed his discourse and a meeting with the sporting director in which he changed his requests. That made me think that the squad needed a fresh boost.

“We had the option of Hansi Flick, who seems capable of competing against anyone with this squad. That was decisive. I think we have finished in a very elegant way with Xavi. He has kept his word, and so have we. We have reached an agreement.”

Pushed for further details, Laporta continued: “Everything was very forced when we decided to continue. Xavi is a legend and his enthusiasm made us make the decision to ratify him. From the moment he makes those statements and he changes his requests substantially, the sports management could not see things clearly and I had the perception that I must make this decision. The board has the power to make these decisions and rectify them, as Xavi also did.”

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Xavi Hernandez, the Barcelona legend, has broken his silence since the Catalan club’s decision to dismiss him at the conclusion of the season.

Initially planning to step down at the end of the 2023-24 campaign, Xavi had a change of heart due to an improvement in results. However, exactly a month after this announcement, Barcelona has opted to part ways with the 44-year-old manager. Xavi is poised to oversee his final match as Barca’s coach when they face Sevilla on Sunday.

He wrote on Instagram: “Dear fans, my time on the Barça bench will end on Sunday. It’s never easy to leave the club of your life, but I do it very proudly, after two and a half years at the head of a dressing room that has been like a second family.

I want to thank the support and affection of the fans, who have always been by my side and have always shown me the same love as during my time as a footballer. From Sunday I will be one more culer (Barcelona supporter) in the stands, either now at the Olympic Stadium or in a few months at the Nou Camp.

Because before I am a player or a coach, I am a Barcelona fan and I only want the best for the club of my life, which will always have me at its disposal.

“I have worked with a group of fantastic players and with a spectacular staff. Thanks to all of them, we have been achieving the objectives set, culminating last year with a League and a Super Cup.

This season things didn’t go as we wanted, but we put our heads together and helped grow a new generation of young footballers from La Masia who inspire all of us Barcelona fans. Many thanks to all.

To the fans, the players, the staff, the club employees, the President, the Board of Directors, the sports directors, the media and everyone with whom I have shared the journey over these two and a half seasons. I wish the best to the club that I carry in my heart.

“Visca Barça.”

 

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A post shared by Xavi Hernández (@xavi)

Earlier in May, Xavi reportedly incurred the displeasure of club president Joan Laporta when he addressed Barcelona’s financial challenges.

Consequently, former Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick is poised to replace the former Spanish midfielder, with a pivotal, phone conversation between Flick and sporting director Deco allegedly sealing the decision.

Having spent 24 years as a player at Barcelona before joining Al Sadd in 2015, Xavi will now explore new managerial, possibly after a hiatus from the sport. This marks the conclusion of his two-and-a-half-year tenure at Barca.

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Barcelona president Joan Laporta has stated that there is enough interest to launch the Super League next season, naming clubs that have reportedly confirmed their desire to join. Despite widespread criticism and opposition from many football stakeholders, including fans and governing bodies, Laporta claims that there is renewed motivation following a court ruling that FIFA and UEFA cannot punish clubs for joining such a competition.

The co-founder of A22, the group behind the Super League, had previously suggested that around 20 teams had approved the idea of joining. While many Premier League sides have distanced themselves from the proposed breakaway league, Laporta’s comments suggest that there are clubs interested in reviving the Super League concept.

“In addition to Barca and Real Madrid, there would be the Italians: Inter, AC Milan, Napoli and Roma,” Laporta told RAC1. “Also French teams, such as Marseille, and the three Portuguese: Sporting CP, Benfica and Porto, who would be delighted to come.

“Then there are the Dutch teams, Ajax, Feyenoord and PSV, and Club Brugge and Anderlecht from Belgium. A 16-team competition would be better.”

Laporta also laughed off the lack of interest from English sides, accusing them of creating their own Super League in the form of the Premier League anyway.

“Whether or not the English come, I don’t care,” he stressed. “They already have a Super League.”

Continuing his criticism of the current Champions League format, Laporta added: “Players, the agents, UEFA and the state clubs are getting rich; they are playing wherever they want, while the clubs like us are getting ruined. We are not getting enough from Europe’s top competition.”

FIFA’s permission is still required before the Super League can develop any concrete plans, but the world governing body may no longer deny it simply for ethical reasons; instead, they must hear the idea before reaching a final judgment.

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Lionel Messi has announced his intention to make a return to Barcelona, acknowledging that his departure from the club in 2021 left a lingering sense of disappointment.

In the summer of 2021, the revered Argentine football icon bid an emotional farewell to Barcelona due to the club’s financial constraints, preventing them from extending his contract.

Although there was speculation about a potential reunion with Camp Nou after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain concluded in the summer of 2023, Messi ultimately opted for a move to MLS team Inter Miami.

Messi has yet to bid a proper farewell to Barcelona’s devoted fans, and the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner confirmed his determination to rectify that situation following his historic victory in Paris on Monday night.

“There was a bitter taste when I left and I don’t like that. I’d like to change the way the story ended. I deserve to say goodbye to the people that gave me so much joy. If it happens I’ll be very happy to be there of course,” he told reporters.

Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta, has made it clear that their prodigal son would be embraced with open arms at some point in the future, and he has put forth two potential dates for the eagerly anticipated reunion.

Laporta disclosed that the club is currently in talks with various stakeholders to organize an official event for Messi, with two options in mind: either in June 2026, coinciding with the completion of the Camp Nou renovations, or in November 2024, when the first team will officially return to their home stadium for matches.

In the meantime, Lionel Messi is gearing up for his return to action with Inter Miami in 2024. He will participate in pre-season preparations in anticipation of the upcoming MLS campaign, set to commence in February.

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Following their first La Liga title in four years, La Blaugrana have already added Spain international Inigo Martinez and Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan to their roster.

However, because of Barça’s financial difficulties, Laporta was unable to sign his top target during the transfer window, Lionel Messi, who eventually signed with Inter Miami.

Real Madrid, their opponents in the Clasico, managed to recruit their top target Jude Bellingham and beat Barcelona to the signing of starlet Arda Guler, but they also lost Karim Benzema to the Saudi Pro League.

Comparing the two teams in an interview with SPORT, Laporta said: “We have a better team than Madrid and, individually, we are also better with a certain difference from our rivals.

“As a club member and fan I am very satisfied with the team we are building. We have won the Spanish League and we can continue to exercise hegemony in this competition. I focus on making a good team over signing individuals. We have signed Gundogan and Inigo Martinez and they will give us a great performance like the others who are going to come.”

Laporta also hinted at what Barça are currently in the market for next, adding: “Maybe a full-back is missing and something in midfield.”

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Barcelona president Joan Laporta has stated that the club wants to keep Ansu Fati and that the player wants to stay as well.

Ansu Fati has been linked with a move away from Barcelona this summer, but club president Laporta has reiterated that the club wants to keep the player beyond the current season and that the player wants to stay at the Catalan club.

Speaking to TV3, Laporta said: “Ansu Fati is a player we want at the club, and he wants to stay at Barca too.”

The Spanish international, who has fallen out of favour at Barcelona under Xavi this season, is apparently a target for a number of Premier League teams, including Manchester United. According to reports, the Catalan club was even considering trading him to Wolves in exchange for Ruben Neves.

The recently crowned La Liga winners’ next game is against Real Sociedad in La Liga on May 20.

Despite recent rumours regarding Ansu Fati’s future, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has affirmed the club has “great aspirations” for the player.

Fati has been one of the highest-rated young players in Europe for the past number of years but has not played as much football as expected for Barça this season, making just seven La Liga starts.

Under manager Xavi Hernandez, the young player is now below players like Raphinha and Gavi in the pecking order.

The Spanish international’s lack of playing time has sparked speculation about his long-term future with La Blaugrana, according to reports.

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Barcelona confirm position on Xavi contract extension.

The club’s attitude towards a prospective contract extension for head coach Xavi has been made plain by Barcelona president Joan Laporta.

With 20 victories out of 24 games played thus far this season, the iconic former midfielder has led Barcelona to a nine-point advantage over fierce rivals Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.

Xavi hasn’t been able to reproduce that triumph on the European stage, though, with Barcelona booted out of the Champions League in the group stage by Bayern Munich and Inter, before losing to Manchester United in a two-legged Europa League knockout play-off round tie.

Nevertheless, the Spaniard’s impact at Camp Nou has been clear to see, with a defined style of play and relative calm settling down what’s been a tricky couple of years in Catalonia.

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Xavi’s existing contract as Barcelona boss is due to expire next summer, but president Laporta has suggested that an extension has already been considered – and will be offered – by the club.

“I have already thought about a renewal,” Laporta admitted. “I think we should renew him because he has earned it. He knows the house. He knows Barca. He doesn’t ask us for crazy things [as per transfers]. He perfectly understands the situation of the club.”

Together with others, Xavi oversaw the signings of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Jules Kounde, but he is dedicated to bolstering Barcelona’s team even more as they strive to regain their previous glory.

On potential new signings, Laporta added: “A central defender, it depends. We will try as far as we can to make signings. A striker, surely yes. Someone will have to leave. In midfield, I think we have a great one and I don’t think it’s necessary [to bring in new players].

He also concluded that Barça “will surely sign a full-back” before next season but reiterated that Xavi must make use of the famed La Masia academy by adding “we have an academy that for sure provides players for the first team.”

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Despite recent rumours regarding Ansu Fati’s future, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has affirmed the club has “great aspirations” for the player.

Fati has been one of the highest-rated young players in Europe for the past number of years but has not played as much football as expected for Barça this season, making just seven La Liga starts.

Under manager Xavi Hernandez, the young player is now below players like Raphinha and Gavi in the pecking order.

The Spanish international’s lack of playing time has sparked speculation about his long-term future with La Blaugrana, Taccording to reports.

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The player’s representatives have contacted Newcastle United and the Premier League’s big six clubs to let them know that Fati is not happy with his current circumstances at Camp Nou.

According to sources, Fati is keen to play in the Premier League in the future.

When asked about the 20-year-old’s future however, Barça president Laporta was keen to dismiss speculation, stating: “He is a Barça player, in whom we have high hopes and we have no news that his agent wants to do anything.”

The young forward signed a contract that runs until 2027 with Barcelona in 2021 – a contract which contains a whopping £1bn release clause.

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According to Barcelona president Joan Laporta, the team intends to shed an additional €70 million in salaries during the summer transfer window.

The Blaugrana’s financial struggled are well-documented, with their high wages seeing them fall foul of La Liga’s salary cap rules on a number of occasions in the past.

They were blocked from making any permanent signings during the January transfer window and face a battle to free up enough money to put their ambitious plans into action once the end of the season arrives.

“It is difficult for us to register players due to the salary limit and the regulations,” Laporta admitted. “La Liga sets limits based on clubs’ accounts, and in the case of Barcelona, we inherited a limit exceeded by millions and millions.

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“There are contracts that were increased, it was exceeded by between €300m and €350m. A titanic effort has been made. As of today, we have reduced it by €100m and we hope to reach €175m in the summer, while also keeping a competitive team. The levers helped that.

“As we continue with a salary that exceeds the limit, it costs the club and La Liga sets more restrictive regulations. With these regulations and the levers, we have registered players with a titanic effort, but La Liga has been changing the regulations so that we cannot do these operations. Every time we overcome an obstacle, La Liga changes the norm for us.”

It’s unclear exactly how Barcelona will reduce that pay. Regarding contracts that are about to expire, experienced midfielder Sergio Busquets must be decided upon, while Sergi Roberto is reportedly close to signing an extension.

Selling players is an obvious option for Barcelona, whose squad is full of talents being eyed up by teams across Europe.

Manchester United are keen on midfielder Frenkie de Jong and have been linked with winger Ansu Fati as well, while the likes of Eric Garcia, Jordi Alba, Franck Kessie, Ferran Torres and Raphinha have all been touted as potential sales.

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Joan Laporta has spoken out on whether Erling Haaland could emerge as a transfer target again for Barcelona at some point in the future.

As top clubs from across Europe competed to sign a coveted player, Camp Nou had been mentioned as one potential destination for the prolific Norwegian striker when he planned to depart ways with Borussia Dortmund in 2022.

Premier League champions Manchester City eventually prevailed in that competition after agreeing to a $51 million ($61 million) deal, and Haaland has scored 27 goals in 21 games for them.

However, there have been admissions that the 22-year-old may not stay in England for very long and that a new challenge in another country may be sought at some point.

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Barcelona would be expected to come back into the mix if Haaland were to become available again, but Laporta has told Cadena Ser when asked about possible interest: “With Haaland we’ll see how he does at City. We currently have [Robert] Lewandowski.”

While remaining coy on one current City star, Laporta was eager to point out that talk of a big-money move being made for a Portugal international playmaker at the Etihad Stadium is wide of the mark. He added: “We won’t pay 80 million for Bernardo Silva. That is for sure.”

Laporta was also asked about Barca’s long-term plans for replacing World Cup-winning midfielder Sergio Busquets, as his contract runs down towards free agency, with the Blaugrana president saying: “Ruben Neves is a great player, but this is part of private conversations. Busquets will not be eternal and there are internal discussions to find a guaranteed successor for him. Frenkie de Jong can play in this position, but it won’t be down to just one player. Xavi will decide.”

Lionel Messi left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent in 2021 as a result of Barcelona’s significant financial problems in past years. Catalonia still needs to balance its accounts before considering other high-value transfer agreements.

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Barcelona president Joan Laporta has released a statement on Frenkie de Jong’s future amid Manchester United interest and insisted that he does not want to sell the player and also never has done in the past either.

That is despite De Jong appearing to be on course for a Camp Nou exit during the summer.

According to reports, as part of a planned deal for up to €85m overall with add-ons, Manchester United agreed to pay De Jong €75m in guaranteed money. When John Murtough and Richard Arnold travelled to Catalonia for talks, the negotiations made progress.

Despite having no desire to leave Barcelona, the club recommended De Jong look into transfers due to the dire financial situation at Camp Nou.

Even if the agreement ultimately fell through, it was deemed “impossible” for the Dutchman to remain with Barça at that point.

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We also understand that United boss Erik ten Hag, who worked with and developed De Jong at Ajax, has confirmed to the player’s representatives that he would still like to have him in Manchester.

Even though De Jong’s public preference has been to stay, United maintain that the deal primarily fell apart in the summer over complications relating to the millions of unpaid wages deferred from the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. That issue still hasn’t been resolved.

But in light of ongoing United interest, Laporta has issued a firm declaration on De Jong.

“In midfield I have never wanted to sell Frenkie de Jong because he is one of the best players we have. He is one of the great talents, young, and one of the leaders of the team,” he said.

De Jong appeared to be on the periphery of coach Xavi’s plans at Camp Nou at the start of this season. However, he has been a consistent starter since the beginning of October, even capping up his season with a goal and an assist in his final two games before the World Cup break.

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Barcelona manager Xavi has reiterated that Lionel Messi would be welcomed back at the club with open arms.

In August 2021, the 35-year-old left Barcelona on a free transfer as it became clear that they would not be able to extend Messi’s contract due to their dire financial situation.

The Catalan giants are currently looking for ways to reduce expenses, but they were still able to complete important transfer deals throughout the summer. Over €150 million was spent on players like Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde, and Raphinha before salaries are factored in.

The free-agent additions of Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen, Hector Bellerin, and Marcos Alonso strengthened a Barcelona team that was eager to contend in La Liga and the Champions League.

Their campaign in the latter competition has already ended with a disastrous group stage elimination, but Barcelona remains committed to returning to their former glory – with a potential Messi reunion rumoured to be among their highest priorities.

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President Joan Laporta has publicly flirted with Messi returning to Barcelona, though Xavi has remained coy on the possibility of a deal being done. However, speaking at a promotional event in Qatar – where Xavi is in attendance for the World Cup – the Spaniard hinted that his former teammate would be welcomed back in a heartbeat.

“He is still number one. Cristiano Ronaldo is still among the 3-5 best on the planet as well,” Xavi said. “If Messi wants to, he can return to Barca at some point, sure. Who wouldn’t like to train him? Any of the greats. In France, Mbappe for example. Neymar, Messi, I would like them a lot.”

Next summer, when Messi’s PSG contract expires, Inter Miami is reportedly in talks with his representatives about a potential move to Major League Soccer.

Given his widespread commercial appeal, a number of American clubs are considering signing Messi, but Inter Miami, controlled by David Beckham, is confident they have the financial might to close a deal.

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