Laporta says Real Madrid has lost prestige and credibility

Joan Laporta has strongly criticised Real Madrid, saying the club has lost its prestige, status and credibility. The Barcelona president linked what he described as that decline to Madrid’s position in the Negreira case and its institutional relations in football and basketball.

Laporta spoke after spending Saturday morning in Sitges, where he was honoured. Referring to comments in Madrid about the case, he said: « In Madrid, they talk about other subjects to divert attention. » He also criticised Real Madrid’s absence from some institutional meetings, including those of the European Club Association and EuroLeague. « It says a lot about the mentality of a club that is losing its prestige, status and credibility at local, national and international levels, » he said, accusing the club of adopting a condescending and arrogant attitude.

The Barcelona president also defended his club over the allegations connected to the Negreira case. « I will never stop repeating that there was an attempt to convict us before we had even been tried, » he said, adding that he believed the case would end with Barcelona’s acquittal. He said those who had repeatedly tried to damage the club’s image would have to revise their positions, and argued that judicial investigations were being prolonged to keep the case alive. These remarks reflect Laporta’s position, not a judicial finding.

He also praised Barcelona’s current spell, describing a team that excites people and has nine players who have won the World Cup. « In Madrid, they are trying to play all of this down, » he added.

On the Ballon d’Or, Laporta said he wanted Lamine Yamal to win the award, after voting had closed, and praised his season and titles. He also urged people not to overstate the young player’s comments, describing them as a human reaction and referring to comparisons with Messi and Cristiano.

Finally, Laporta said doctors believed Raphinha would be available to play against Paris after his injury and recovery. He acknowledged that the circumstances were damaging for the club, likening the period to a pre-season, and said Barcelona would have to fight with the players available to them.