Laporta: "We Are Stronger Than Ever"

"Three years ago, the club was in a risky situation. There was economic, judicial, social, and sporting chaos. The members placed their trust in us, and we began working on economic recovery to build the Spotify Camp Nou and restore the club institutionally. We are doing it," Joan Laporta stated this Tuesday at the Camp Nou Auditorium during an extraordinary press conference to explain the transfer market and the start of the season. He presented himself ready to review all current Barça affairs and, above all, to address those who do not support his management.

Laporta took the microphone and, as usual, addressed all the criticisms that have arisen this summer about his model. "The members have ignored the catastrophic proclamations and given us their support. We have united to overcome attacks from all sides that wanted to keep us down. In a few months, we will return to Spotify Camp Nou, but the attacks will continue, especially if we are doing well. The 'Negreira case' is back, which holds no ground, as evidenced by judicial resolutions in our favor," assured the Barça leader.

Laporta emphasized a transfer market that, once again, has been influenced by the club's economic situation. Barça has brought in coach Hansi Flick, Dani Olmo, and Pau Víctor—sufficient to rejuvenate the team and ensure positive results from the sports management. "I am pleased with Deco and his team's work. Thanks to him, Flick is our coach. The squad has improved, and important renewals like those of Cubarsí, Bernal, Guille Fernández, or Toni Fernández have been secured. He has done excellent work with registrations this summer; it has been extraordinary," he clarified while acknowledging that Deco was also behind bringing new physical trainers—a "key" aspect in the strong league start.

Dani Olmo has been this summer's major signing and simultaneously a headache in terms of registration. Barça ultimately did not achieve the 1-1 rule—a goal Laporta hopes to reach before year-end. "All clubs face difficulties, but we will get there. The sports timeline does not coincide with the economic one. It would be good if LaLiga were more flexible, although I see the control being exercised as positive," he explained before addressing the failed signing of Nico Williams by stating that "it is not true that players do not want to join Barça due to its economic situation."

Despite difficulties, Laporta emphasized that everything Barcelona needs to achieve desired normality is within reach. The Blaugrana entity is 60 million euros away from meeting the 1-1 rule—a gap they aim to reduce through various means ranging from Barça Vision and a "personal guarantee of 20 million" to future agreements like that with Nike. "We haven't met the rule because we didn't want to rush. We want the best contract on the market and are in negotiation processes. It will be the best in football," he added.

Finally, Laporta spoke about Barcelona's excellent start to the season. The Blaugranas are leaders with four wins in their first four matches and recently scored seven goals at home against Valladolid. Despite everything, this strong start has not surprised the Barça president. "We have started as planned. We demand hard work, professionalism from Flick—an intense daily commitment—and football that we enjoy watching. We agree on everything. He is a man who doesn't make excuses and is demanding. We haven't set specific title goals, but what we want is clear," he concluded in what can be interpreted as an implicit criticism of Xavi Hernández.