Tensions have intensified at FC Barcelona after club president Joan Laporta delivered a sharp and public response to recent criticisms from former head coach Xavi Hernández. The disagreement emerged after Xavi gave an interview in which he openly blamed the club’s leadership for several difficulties he encountered during his time in charge. Laporta, however, did not remain silent and used a high-profile presidential debate to respond firmly, defending the board’s decisions and questioning the managerial impact of the Barcelona legend.
The Barcelona president suggested that the team’s current progress under new coach Hansi Flick demonstrates why a change in leadership was necessary. According to Laporta, the German tactician has managed to produce better results while working with largely the same group of players that Xavi had at his disposal. For Laporta, this contrast highlights what he believes was missing during Xavi’s tenure — a consistent ability to turn performances into victories.
The dispute has sparked a fresh wave of controversy within the Camp Nou hierarchy. Xavi’s departure from the club had already been surrounded by speculation and emotional reactions from fans, but his recent comments have reignited the debate about what really went wrong during his time on the bench. Laporta admitted that he was personally disappointed by Xavi’s remarks, stating that he felt both surprised and hurt by the way the former coach portrayed the internal workings of the club.
One of the most sensitive topics in their disagreement revolves around the failed attempt to bring Lionel Messi back to Barcelona in 2023. Xavi had previously claimed that the club hierarchy blocked the Argentine legend’s return despite receiving approval from La Liga. Laporta strongly rejected that claim, explaining that financial limitations and concerns about the pressure Messi would face ultimately prevented the move from materializing.
The Barcelona president also addressed disagreements regarding transfer decisions during Xavi’s tenure. According to Xavi, the club blocked his attempts to sign players such as Martín Zubimendi, who later flourished under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal FC. Laporta countered those claims by suggesting that Xavi had gradually lost confidence in the squad he already had, repeatedly arguing that the team lacked the quality needed to compete with rivals like Real Madrid.
Beyond sporting matters, the conflict has also taken on a political dimension within the club. Laporta accused Xavi of being influenced by figures who oppose the current administration, particularly pointing to presidential rival Víctor Font. The Barcelona president also defended his advisor Alejandro Echevarría, who Xavi had suggested held significant behind-the-scenes influence within the club’s decision-making structure.
Despite the heated exchange, Laporta concluded his response by emphasizing that every major decision he has made as president was done with the long-term interests of Barcelona in mind. He admitted that parting ways with club legends — including Messi, former manager Ronald Koeman, and Xavi — were among the most difficult choices of his presidency. However, he insisted that the institution must always come before any individual, regardless of their legendary status within the club’s history.
