Laporta reviews Barça's current situation: team slump, Miami match, and Super League

Joan Laporta reviewed the current state of Fútbol Club Barcelona while attending a Cruyff Foundation event at Mar Bella in Barcelona. The president of the Barça team believes that Hansi Flick's team "is going through a slump" that he hopes can be resolved after the return to competition next weekend.

"We've had two matches where things haven't been going our way, it's clear we're not playing how we want. The results haven't been good, but we also have to say that we have injured players who are very important to the team," 'Jan' argued.

In that regard, Laporta supported the self-criticism made by Flick and Deco regarding the adjustments that must be made in the daily work with the squad to return to the path of victory.

"If we work hard, we can aspire to everything, and at this point in the season, everything is still to play for. It's a slump we're going through, but I hope it will be resolved after the break," said the Barça president.

The match in Miami and Frenkie de Jong's position

Similarly, Joan Laporta reiterated his support for LaLiga's initiative to move the Villarreal-Barça match to Miami. Once the date of the match corresponding to matchday 17 (December 20) was confirmed, the Barcelona boss clarified that, once the request is approved by UEFA, the club will abide by the decisions of the employers' association.

In that regard, he also responded to the statements of Frenkie de Jong, who admitted during his call-up with the Netherlands that he was against playing in Miami. 

"The players, each one can have their opinion, and I respect it. De Jong is Barça's captain, but the club will go where LaLiga tells us. If Barça has supported this idea, it is because the North American market is an emerging market for the club, where we have secured collaborations and sponsorships," Laporta pointed out.

In addition, the president of Barça clarified that the match venue was changed from New York to Miami for commercial reasons. Furthermore, winter in Florida is less intense than in New York, a key factor considering that the match will probably be played in the North American afternoon to adjust to Spanish prime time (there is a six-hour difference with the East Coast of the USA).

Laporta is clear: Barça and Real Madrid must smooth things over with UEFA

On the other hand, Joan Laporta spoke about his trip to Rome for an event organized by the new European Football Club (EFC, formerly the European Club Association - ECA). For the Barça president, it is positive to strengthen ties with UEFA after the failed European Super League project.

We are reaching an agreement with UEFA for the good of football, for the pacification of European football. There is a path to walk together, both the Super League and UEFA. At Barça we are determined to take the step of reaching an agreement that benefits everyone and that is a very broad framework," the Barça president pointed out.

• 👉Check out more news about the Barça team in our section dedicated to Fútbol Club Barcelona.