Laporta insists FC Barcelona can still challenge for Liga title

FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has spoken to newspapers Mundo Deportivo and El Periódico, where he insists that “we can fight for the league title.” He also spoke about how pleased he is with the Spotify deal and how he is sure both Gavi and Araujo will extend their contracts.

Here’s a selection of quotes from the interview.

LaLiga 

"We can fight for this league. The team is improving. We are on fine form and are going into the final stage of the season knowing we can win the title. We need to win all our games. It’s a big challenge but we like big challenges and the club has that kind of mentality."

Gavi and Araujo 

"We want them to stay and so do they. The negotiations are on the right track. They are two players that we want to stay, within the salary ranges that we’re setting. We hope they stay for many years."

Spotify

"It’s one of the best shirt sponsorship and stadium naming rights deals in the world. We are very proud of it. Spotify has asked for confidentiality so I can’t speak about figures. It’s to avoid reactions in their company policy."

"I hope the delegate members appreciate that. I am ready to answer whatever questions the members want to ask and will explain the situation to them."

"It has to be ratified by the assembly, according to the FC Barcelona statutes and we are very proud of that, this is a club that belongs to the members and that has generated the right synergies. That synergy has led other companies to approach Barça in search of sponsorship deals and I hope the members share that enthusiasm."

The team

"The signs show that this will set new standards in world football from the way they are playing. We are on the right track to putting smiles back on faces, which is what I always promised above all else. I think we’re doing what we set out to do, now what we need to do is win trophies."

Xavi 

"He is doing great. He has brought us moments of history and joy. He has got the team playing the way our essence requires and isn’t counting anything out. "

El Clásico 

"It was not just the 4-0 win, it was the way we played. Games that Barça have won staying faithful to their style, like the 5-0 in 73-74, the 6-2 in 2009, the 5-0 at home in 2011 and then last Sunday. It was a footballing exhibition. Winning that way is a boost for self-esteem, for pride. Now we have a fortnight off to dwell on that victory. We have brought joy back to barça and that’s fantastic.”

The Barça style

"The technical secretary and the sports management are working to develop the squad. I want people to realise that we put the team above everything else. We want to strengthen the team, but always on the basis of the genuine Barça style."

Espai Barça 

"Everything is on course. We hope to get the licences in April. The schedule says there will be bidding in July, allocations in September. The thing is that now we’re examing the impact of the war in Ukraine on the project. We can’t ignore the fact that it’s made materials more expensive, interest rates have risen, and so we need to make sure that everything will still fit our plans. The war is having an effect and to a certain extent means reappraising things."

Dembélé

"Dembélé is a wonderful kid, charming, and I think we’re seeing the best Dembélé since he’s been at Barça, for sure."

"We made him an offer that expired. Now Xavi wants him in the team because he makes a difference. Will we renew Dembélé’s contract? The option has now expired and we are setting a new salary levels that will need to suit all parties.”