Laporta spills the beans on Mbappé and spills the tea on the squad composition
During his appearance at Barça One, where he reflected on a turbulent season, Barça president Joan Laporta talked about Real Madrid signing Killyan Mbappé and also discussed the composition of the Barça squad for the 2024-2025 season, emphasizing continuity for many players.
All in one go, in just a few days, Barça witnessed Madrid winning the Champions League, the Barça club losing in the basketball Clásico, and the announcement of the French striker’s signing by the whites. “The signing of Mbappé? I have more faith in Barça’s philosophy, which is to trust La Masía,” he said.
Subsequently, the president gradually went through the Barça squad and hinted at few changes. Laporta mentioned that “we can compete in Europe with a squad centered around the youth team. That’s what Flick conveys to us and what we believe. We have a squad capable of competing in Spain and in Europe with chances of success.”
He expressed confidence in the entire team. “Koundé inspires me, he hits the gym after matches, Iñigo, Sergi Roberto.. We have everyone, but it’s up to the coach. If he feels adjustments are needed, they will be made. Some players are out of contract, some have requested to leave, loaned players are returning, like Ansu Fati, who wants to make an impact based on what I’ve read (in MD).”
He then outlined the positions that need strengthening. “We are discussing them with Flick. In the defensive midfield, with Christensen, the team has taken on a new dimension, but it’s a position where another player might need to be added.” He also highlighted Marc Casadó, who has had an exceptional season.
Furthermore, he mentioned that “we don’t necessarily need to make big sales, nor do we believe big signings are necessary. Perhaps a midfielder, maybe a winger.” When asked about Zubimendi and Kimmich, the manager clarified that “we are not considering these acquisitions. There are several Barça Atlètic players who have good synergy with the first team.”
He made it clear that Barça is committed to keeping Joao Félix and Joao Cancelo on the team. “We want the Joaos to stay. Deco is working hard to make sure they continue for another season under the current conditions. Flick believes they are top-quality players, and when he was coaching Bayern, he already tried to bring in Joao Félix.” He also mentioned that the Portuguese player “could have performed even better, given his extraordinary quality.”
Laporta was pleased with Lewandowski, whom Xavi had initially dismissed, as well as Raphinha, Lamine, and Ferran Torres, “who hasn’t had many opportunities, but when he plays, he shows an admirable attitude.”
He also talked about how the young players have been performing and emphasized the need for them to get more playing time. “I believe the injuries, especially Gavi‘s, have caused some disruptions. The refereeing decisions haven’t been in our favor either.” Flick knows that the focus is on the homegrown talent from La Masía. “He understands that he will work with players like Lamine, Pedri, Gavi, Fort, Cubarsí.. I see him enthusiastic about it. These are young individuals with a bright present and future.”
And there are also experienced players like Lewandowski. “We have a motivated goal-scorer, and with a coach who knows him well, he will be able to unleash his full potential.” It seems unlikely that Vitor Roque will be sent out on loan either. “Roque joined us unexpectedly in the middle of the season, and he has learned a lot since then.”
And upon insistence, the president reiterated the hiring of a wing forward. “We are ‘cruyffistas’. Rijkaard, Guardiola and Luis Enrique made an evolution of the system. And we believe that Flick will also do so with pressure and physical preparation. We are thinking of a wide player, but we let them talk about it with Deco, who propose it and we will value it.”
This content has been translated and adapted from the Spanish version of the digital newspaper
