Joan Laporta takes aim at Florentino Perez and Real Madrid: ‘They’re experiencing deja vu’

Joan Laporta takes aim at Florentino Perez and Real Madrid: ‘They’re experiencing deja vu’ Joan Laporta included several pointed references to Real Madrid during his inauguration speech after officially beginning his new term as Barcelona president. Without directly naming Real Madrid president Florentino Perez in every instance, Laporta used his address to contrast Barcelona’s current direction with what he suggested was growing uncertainty at the club’s biggest rivals. Experiencing deja vu Reflecting on Barcelona’s sporting project, Laporta praised the work being done under Hansi Flick before making an apparent dig at Real Madrid. “Elsewhere they’re very nervous and holding farcical press conferences; they don’t have a clear direction and are experiencing déjà vu,” said Laporta, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo . Relationship between Real Madrid and Barcelona is at an all-time low. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) He then contrasted that situation with Barcelona’s own outlook, saying: “We have a more consistent path with Hansi Flick leading these players who inspire all of Barcelona, ​​a squad assembled by Deco, which isn’t easy in this rollercoaster world of football.”  A message about club ownership Laporta also referenced Barcelona’s member-owned ownership model, drawing another apparent comparison with Real Madrid, amid speculations that Perez is considering selling a part of the club ownership to an outside investor. “We want to remain a club owned by its members, and that forces us to be imaginative in order to compete against clubs that are commercial enterprises,” he said. After a brief pause, he added another remark that appeared directed at Real Madrid. “Some aren’t, but they want to be.”  Perez has been critical of Barcelona over the Negreira case. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) Towards the end of his speech, Laporta spoke about protecting Barcelona’s interests against criticism and external attacks, referring to the Perez’s remarks regarding the Negreira case. “We feel strong to continue defending the club,” he said. There are some who never rest, and in the face of attacks on Barça and our dignity, they will always find a strong president and board with leadership aimed at defending the institution against everything and everyone; that is our commitment.” Although he did not explicitly identify those he was referring to, the comments were widely interpreted as another message aimed at Real Madrid and club president Perez following recent tensions between the two institutions .