Joan Laporta, ahead of the FC Barcelona presidential race, has stepped back into the spotlight.

In an appearance on 2Cat’s ‘Cafè d’Idees’, the former president, now running for re-election, discussed the current state of the club and notably his relationship with head coach Hansi Flick.

Laporta’s media appearance followed the launch of his book, ‘This is How We Saved Barça’, reflecting on his leadership between 2021 and 2026.

The presentation attracted significant attention, with key figures such as sporting director Deco and Flick himself in attendance, highlighting the unity Laporta is eager to project during his campaign.

Relationship with Flick

During the interview, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, Laporta spoke openly about Flick and why he values the German coach highly.

“What I like about him is that you can see he’s living his moment very intensely, not just on the bench, he lives the city, the people,” he said.

Laporta also revealed that the coach has privately expressed comfort with continuity at the board level.

“He has said that what he wants is for us to continue the board that I have had the privilege of chairing.

That’s understandable because we decided he should be the coach. We have created an environment that is right for him to do his job.

The relationship is very sincere and we are very clear with each other.”

This alignment between president and manager could prove decisive, especially as rivals in the election promise sweeping changes.

Laporta went further, stating, “Flick is happy coaching Barça, but he has said that he is more comfortable if I continue, and I appreciate that.”

Presidential campaign

He then criticized campaign narratives heavily focused on transfer speculation.

“What I have, or what we defend, is a team that works very well, and the necessary adjustments will have to be made.

Talking about signings is wishful thinking. We’re in the middle of the season, and if we made the decisions now, it would be so that sports management could make adjustments for the summer.

These stories are just election tactics to win votes, but they’re not serious,” he concluded.