Joan Laporta, who is seeking to return to the presidency of Barcelona, responded to recent statements made by the team's former coach Xavi Hernandez in an extensive interview with the newspaper "La Vanguardia," in which he discussed the reasons for his departure from the club and the behind-the-scenes details of why the Argentine star Lionel Messi did not return to Barcelona.

Laporta explained that the decision to dismiss Xavi was not surprising, noting that the coach had become complacent in the period leading up to his dismissal and was no longer able to balance his professional and personal life, which, according to him, affected the team's performance.

Laporta, who is preparing to run for the club's presidency, added that Xavi once said that Barcelona would not be able to compete with Real Madrid, a statement that the management considered a negative message that does not align with the club's ambitions.

The president of Barcelona indicated that the former coach requested changes to several players, but the management informed him that this was not possible at that stage, especially with key players not having fully recovered from injuries, making it difficult to continue the sports project in the way the coach desired.

Laporta also addressed the issue of Messi's return, explaining that the player had indeed expressed his desire to return in 2023, even sending the contract to his father in preparation for completing the deal. However, he later reconsidered after a visit to the club president's home, where he was informed that he might face significant pressure in Barcelona if he returned at that time, ultimately ending the idea of his return.

Laporta said, "I understand that Xavi might be hurt because Flick achieved victories with the same players with whom Xavi was losing. I understand his feelings about that."

He added: "But what pains me is that he allowed himself to be used and sought to harm me by attacking someone from my close circle, Alejandro Echeverria, and this bothers me."

He continued: "Etxeberria and Yuste were among the strongest defenders of keeping Xavi as long as defending him is possible. There is a desire to pollute the atmosphere and stir controversy."