Laporta lashes out at the opposition: “I hope Barça never falls into their hands”

Joan Laporta spoke at the Auditori 1899 this Tuesday at 10am. The press conference was held so that the president of FC Barcelona could give explanations about everything that has happened in recent weeks. The main topics were the registration of Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor, the Nike contract and the return to the 1-1 rule for the Catalans. He also had a few words for his opposition, who on January 5th joined together to publish a statement asking for his "immediate resignation".

'Jan' already sent a message to his detractors during his initial speech: "Nothing that has happened in recent weeks, in relation to registrations, hasn't surprised us. In the history of Barça you see that we could expect these reactions. It is no coincidence that when Barça reappears, various actors with media support join forces to promote a story that has nothing to do with reality. We all know each other and once again they have not gotten their way. They have not gotten their way because of the determination of the board and the employees. They wanted to liquidate us. We have never given up."

Just as he explained that this response from the opposition did not surprise anyone on the Board of Directors, the president has asserted that it is clear to him that they wanted to destabilise the club. He also assures that it will not be the last time: "I have spoken about certain circles. Many wanted to destabilise, others did not. But I am not naive, some do it just to destabilise the club. If they don't say that, nobody will listen to them. Let everyone do their thing. I can celebrate that it didn't work out for them. I say this with some emotion. We have worked well and we have achieved it. This is cyclical. And it will happen again. Nobody here is sucking their thumb."

The president's big blow came when he was asked directly about the motion of censure and the request for his resignation: "The opposition has had a golden opportunity to show that they love Barça and they have not taken advantage of it. They have sided with the hostiles. They are blinded. They see that the club will be fixed, on the right path, with a new stadium, a competitive team. They are coming out like mushrooms. I would ask them for patience. I respect that they are asking for his resignation, but does anyone think that the president can resign because of a decision by LaLiga or the Federation? At least think that we would sell our skin for a high price."

"I am disappointed with the people who aspire to be the club's president one day. It's not about being with Laporta, it's about being with Barça. They have destabilised the team. I value, therefore, the strength of the team and the players. The mental strength of Hansi Flick and his team in moments of maximum suffering. We endured everything and they won't knock us down easily. The suffering of Dani and Pau or the team is not right. It was an attack to destabilise us in the Spanish Super Cup, which everyone wants to win and now has more repercussions than before because of where it is played. It seemed like they wanted us to fail in our attempt to register the players. Poor Barça if it ends up in the hands of those who act in the opposition. I hope it never falls into their hands," Laporta concluded harshly.