Following the resignation of Josep Bartomeu, Joan Laporta has been elected as the new president of Barcelona. Bertomeu’s reign, especially the end, will always be remembered for the wrong reasons. His time as president very nearly led to Lionel Messi’s exit last summer before resigning due to the matter.
He left Barcelona in a financial crisis- in a state of unhappiness and, competitively, in their worst position for years. But now, fans can breathe easily again upon the beginning of a new era; a new man in charge, a man who has overseen so much good at the Nou Camp in previous years. That guy is Joan Laporta.
Laporta comes into a position not many in world football would enjoy right now. Messi, as it stands, is still leaving. The club is still struggling financially, and someone needs to lead them out of the dim lighting of chaos which could become pure darkness if not turned around sooner rather than later.
Laporta has been handed the task. Now, he must complete the job he was elected to do by dragging the Catalan club back to the top.
Laporta Has the Opportunity to Begin a New Era at Barcelona
Previous Success
When things are going in such a negative direction, you need a man of experience to take over. And Laporta is exactly that, having overseen Pep Guardiola’s appointment and all the success that came with it from 2003 to 2010.
It’s the experience of a winner that Barcelona are crying out for, too, and perhaps one of few able to convince Messi to stay put. His previous achievements as president are unprecedented, but if he can take Barcelona back to the top, the ‘sextuple’ will soon sit second in his list of great successes.
Both financially and on the pitch, Laporta has some job on his hands to steady what is a sinking ship left behind by the captain in Bartomeu.
Clear Out Needed
His first job back in charge must be a summer clear-out. Is there really any need for the likes of Philippe Coutinho to be at the club? A midfielder who has failed to live up to the price tag paid. Laporta must be ruthless. It’s the only way to oversee a transition at Barcelona.
The one positive at the club right now is the academy, so he must centre the rebuilding around that. He must go back to the foundation of what makes this club so special. The La Masia built Lionel Messi, Xavi, Andreas Iniesta, among many others who took Barcelona to incredible heights.
Now, Laporta must turn to the academy once again. Talents such as Ansu Fati, Pedri, Riqui Puig and Oscar Mingueza must provide Barcelona with the platform to rise once more alongside Frenkie de Jong and Sergino Dest.
Financially, Barcelona can no longer afford to be the new Galacticos. Instead, they must go back to their routes in building from the academy. Then, and only then, will they have the potential to rise again.
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