This week, Joan Laporta turned the Ateneu Barcelonès (a historic cultural institution and building in the center of Barcelona where lectures, debates and book launches are held) into a mini-festival of Barça nostalgia as he presented his book save barca – or, “This is how we save Barca.” The former president took the audience through the past five years as he made clear that he should serve again as president in the upcoming elections.
“I don’t want to be arrogant, but we saved Barca from a very complicated situation,” Laporta said, pointing to the cover of his book: a photo of him in a workman’s vest, sleeves rolled up, at a construction site at Spotify’s Camp Nou. “It’s not done in an office, it’s not done in a suit and tie. It’s done by rolling up your sleeves and working hard.”
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“There is one sport that fascinates all Barcelona fans. Last year we won a historic treble. The excitement was wonderful,” he said.
Two celebrities were present in the same audience: first-team coach Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco.
“I want to highlight the work of Deco. It was admirable because the situation was extremely difficult. We have now achieved a financial surplus for the past three seasons and the squad has been renewed […] Sometimes people underestimate his work. The two things that make me happiest are having these two guys here today,” Laporta said.
Not everything is cause for celebration. Laporta spoke about one of the most difficult moments of his presidency: the departure of Lionel Messi. “The economy is not strong or solid enough to accommodate Messi. The most difficult moments are always when players, coaches or staff cannot continue. […] This is the best for Barca, this is life,” he said.
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The launch attracted many familiar faces. Former player Bojan Korkic (now the club’s football coordinator) and former president Joan Gaspart also joined in support, as well as several former board members.
Laporta struck an upbeat tone as he entered the presidential race, becoming the favorite to win again. As well as touting his achievement, Laporta also took the opportunity to joke that perhaps the book was missing a chapter on “Who We Saved Barca From”, a sly nod to an old rival.
