Laporta launches fierce attack on Real Madrid: ‘They chose the wrong path, and are paying the price’

Laporta launches fierce attack on Real Madrid: ‘They chose the wrong path, and are paying the price’ FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has delivered a series of pointed remarks about Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Lamine Yamal and his club’s ambitions in an interview with French newspaper L’Equipe . Laporta described the relationship between Barcelona and Real Madrid as effectively over, accused their rivals of prioritising individual talent and expensive signings over team cohesion. He also insisted that Barcelona are moving in the right direction under Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco. Laporta declares relationship with Real Madrid over Asked about Barcelona’s relationship with Real Madrid, Laporta did not hold back. “No, there is no relationship between us anymore. I would go even further and say that it has become a confrontation between us. “Real Madrid have lost credibility, both institutionally and in sporting terms. They no longer have any presence within the institutions. They chose the wrong path, and now they are paying the price. All out war between Spain’s biggest clubs. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) “They opened their chequebooks and spent huge sums on very expensive players, but those players have not delivered the results they expected.” Laporta also Real accused Madrid of attempting to justify their shortcomings by focusing on the Negreira case , which concerns payments made by Barcelona to companies linked to former refereeing official Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira. “In Madrid, they preferred individual brilliance and big-name signings,” he said. “They are trying by every possible means to justify their failures by lying about the Negreira case because they have not won anything for two years. We are winning, and we are candidates to win everything.” Mourinho’s Madrid and Mbappe’s arrival Laporta was also asked about his previous warning that Kylian Mbappe’s arrival at Real Madrid could create problems within the dressing room. “Yes, I said that. Having more than one rooster in the coop can never work. The priority in football must be the team and the team spirit. Without those things, the project will not succeed,” Laporta explained. Laporta criticised Real Madrid’s methods. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) “That is one of Barcelona’s strengths. We have great talents, players from La Masia and players from other footballing cultures, and we manage to build a team in which they work together harmoniously. “That is thanks to a great coach, Hansi Flick, and a sporting director, Deco, who is working to make the team better.” On relationship with UEFA Apart his criticism of Real Madrid, Laporta spoke positively about Barcelona’s relationship with European football’s governing body following the fallout in the past due to the Super League. “We have returned to the football family with UEFA. Nasser, the president of Paris Saint-Germain, played a role in all of this, as did Aleksander Ceferin, whom I have known for a long time. I believe he is the best president UEFA could have. “This is an important moment for football, which is changing in scale, and it is important to have a president like Ceferin.”