Barcelona president Joan Laporta opens up on Lionel Messi relationship – “It broke down a bit”

It has been a challenging couple of weeks for Barcelona , but club president Joan Laporta remains in good spirits. And that was made clear during a recent interview he has done.

As per MD , Laporta spoke on a number of topics when speaking to 3cat, with one of those being Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick. Rather comically, he compared the German to Hollywood actor Russell Crowe.

“Flick is Gladiator, he looks like Russell Crowe. He is a find, a great coach. He is very treatable, he has a good feeling. He is German, but he has sensitivity to everyone. He is very demanding, you can’t change his plans because he is very Germanic. But at the same time it has a lot of sensitivity. I’m very comfortable and very happy with him.”

Image via FC Barcelona

Laporta also spoke being president of Barcelona – a role he will have until at least next year, when the new elections are held.

“A Barça president has to be responsible, he has to tell the truth because Barça only has one word. You can’t believe anyone, but you have to believe you. And for that you have to comply with what you say. And above all he has to love Barça and the people. He has to put the interests of Barça and others ahead of his own.

“You have to be understanding in many things. Barça is very inclusive, it accepts all forms of thought, ideologies. Barça is more than a club because it represents Catalonia and at the same time it is a global club. This is the greatness of Barça , which admits everyone,” said the president. And he also made self-criticism: “I have to take care of outbursts because I am passionate. When I get angry I am like a bottle of cava. I explode but it doesn’t last very long, I am not spiteful. You can’t live with resentment.”

Laporta was also asked about his relationship with Barcelona icon Lionel Messi , as he also confirmed plans for a proper tribute to be held for the Argentine – given that he did not receive a farewell ceremony upon his shock exit four years ago.

“We have had a very good relationship for a long time. When we didn’t renew the contract it broke down a bit . And then we more or less recovered it. We trust to pay him the great tribute he deserves.”