Laporta bares shares his opinions on Team Barcelona.


FC Barcelona's President, Joan Laporta spoke on general issues concerning Barca's players in recent times including transfer issues, team discipline and his relationship with the stars at Barcelona. Asked one more time on confirming the status of key players like Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o and Deco, Laporta responded by saying none of these three were leaving Barcelona. Laporta, obviously referring to interests from AC Milan for Ronaldinho, stated that :

Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto'o will be staying. I am not going to negotiate Ronaldinho's contract until 2010 when his contract runs out.
Laporta also stated next season, Barca will adopt a more disciplined approach to all issues concerning the team and player behaviour, stating that issues like presence in training, inter-player relations and committment to club duties will be taken as matters of priority.

The President instilled confidence in Coach Frank Rijkaard, saying that:

Frank Rijkaard is the right man for Barcelona. I have not had any doubts about this. Rijkaard can take the Barcelona to Championship glories next season. We have confidence in him.

Laporta also commented on his relationship with FC Barcelona's players, disuading rumours that he ruled Camp Nou with an iron hand :

I have a good relationship with the players, promoted by mutual respect. I do not go into arguments and all that with any of them, neither do I try to force people to go by solely what I believe, even when it's not right for them. Not at all. However, I try to ensure things are kept in order at the club and this sometimes requires sacrifice and discipline. Being a Barca player is not easy. I speak to the players and they speak to me. When they have questions, they ask me and I answer. I have a normal relationship with them.

Barcelona will commence next season with tighter rules for the players, with an aim of producing more results and increasing the level the of committment in the Blaugrana.