Joan Laporta has responded to criticism from Xavi Hernandez, insisting that Barcelona were right to replace him with Hansi Flick.
The comments follow an interview in which Xavi suggested that his dismissal in the summer of 2024 was influenced by Laporta’s adviser Alejandro Echevarria rather than the Barcelona president himself.
Laporta rejected the claim and defended the club’s decision to appoint Flick as head coach.
Laporta defends managerial change
During a presidential debate, Laporta said he believed the team would have continued struggling had Xavi remained in charge.
“It hurt me. When I saw these statements, I thought of Flick,” Laporta said.
It’s hard to be president because you have to make difficult decisions. With Xavi I saw that we would continue to lose, and it reassures me to see how things have gone.”
“The same players who lost with Xavi, now win with Flick.”
Laporta also suggested that Xavi’s comments were influenced by others involved in Barcelona’s internal politics.
“Xavi wants to make a mess, but behind Xavi, there is a person pulling the strings,” he said, referencing presidential candidate Victor Font.
Xavi reveals conversation with Flick
In his interview, Xavi explained that he maintains a positive relationship with Flick despite the circumstances surrounding his departure.
“My relationship with Hansi Flick is excellent,” Xavi said. “We send each other messages constantly. I always congratulate him on the team, we talk about football.”
He also revealed that Flick visited his home to apologise during the period when Barcelona were negotiating with him while Xavi was still the manager.
“He came to apologise when I asked him if the club was really negotiating with him while I was coach,” Xavi said.
“The club told him not to tell me anything and that’s why he came to my home to apologise. He’s a good guy, very noble.”
Laporta addresses Messi claims
Laporta also rejected claims that Xavi had opposed the return of Lionel Messi to Barcelona in 2023.
The Barcelona president said the club had explored the possibility before Messi eventually joined Inter Miami CF.
“When Messi could not be renewed for financial reasons, Xavi came to me telling me in 2023 that he wanted to return,” Laporta said.
“Jorge Messi told me later that it would be too much pressure and they preferred to go to Inter Miami.”
Meanwhile, Barcelona are currently enjoying improved results under Flick, which Lata cited as evidence that the club’s decision to change managers had been justified.