Rashford over Nico, Camp Nou concerns, and UCL hopes – Joan Gaspart gives honest Barcelona verdict

Former FC Barcelona president Joan Gaspart has by no means been one to carry again, and his newest feedback are not any exception.

In a current interview on ‘El 10 del Barça’, as highlighted by SPORTthe outspoken ex-president supplied his unfiltered views on Barcelona’s present state, together with the failed pursuit of Nico Williams, the anticipated return to Spotify Camp Nou, and his expectations for the upcoming season beneath Hansi Flick.

Optimism for the New Season

Gaspart started by expressing real pleasure concerning the crew’s prospects, emphasizing the continuity and ambition proven throughout pre-season.

Barça excites me. What excites me most is the ambition — they’ve began simply as they completed, with starvation, and with the same type of play. We’ve got a squad that ought to carry us plenty of pleasure, particularly with vital additions just like the goalkeeper (Joan Garcia). In 4 days we’re into the thick of the season, and I’d gladly signal for a repeat of final yr — if attainable, together with the Champions League.

Regardless of being happy with final season’s efficiency, Gaspart made it clear that successful Europe’s prime prize stays a precedence.

Final yr we had been shut — for a couple of minutes we had been within the last. Different groups have additionally strengthened, however I imagine the gamers know they owe the followers the Champions League. I’d like to win it, however as I stated, I’d signal for a superb season just like the final one.

On Nico Williams: “Rashford is healthier”

When requested about Barcelona’s unsuccessful try and signal Athletic Membership winger Nico Williams, Gaspart was blunt. He not solely dismissed the failed switch as a non-issue but in addition criticized Inaki Williams’ current remarks.

Effectively, to begin with, for me Marcus Rashford is healthier than Nico. From there, I care little about what (Iñaki Williams) may say. The participant used us — in a great way — to get contract, and I’m blissful for him.

Gaspart additionally pushed again towards the frustration expressed by Athletic Membership over the saga:

I don’t perceive the frustration or anger from Athletic. I’ve signed many vital gamers from Bilbao, like Zubizarreta, and all the time obtained alongside nicely with their president.

He concluded the subject with a reminder to maneuver ahead and deal with the present marketing campaign.

As you stated, that’s prior to now, and we should deal with the season and belief within the squad and the distinctive coach we’ve got.

The Spotify Camp Nou Scenario

Gaspart additionally addressed the continuing subject of Barcelona’s non permanent relocation to Montjuïc whereas renovations proceed at Camp Nou. He emphasised the emotional and financial influence of the transfer.

Right here’s how I see the stadium subject. It combines the sentiment of the followers — and the president is not any exception. We wish to return dwelling as quickly as attainable, however little is claimed concerning the monetary penalties of taking part in at Camp Nou with extra followers as a substitute of at Montjuïc. The numbers are clear: from having 60,000 season ticket holders to fifteen,000 at Montjuïc.

Nonetheless, he urged warning in promising a return date, mentioning that the choice lies past the membership’s management.

It ought to have been stated that we’ll return to the stadium when attainable — it’s less than us (Barça). It’s as much as the fireplace division, town council… there are guidelines that have to be adopted. Let the president present the eagerness that followers need, however generally guarantees are made that may’t be saved, and that misleads folks.

Gaspart revealed he had spoken to present president Joan Laporta to counsel a extra measured strategy:

I’ve informed the president to say we’ll return when situations permit it — as a result of it is determined by town council’s standards. Let’s not make commitments even when I do know they converse from the center, wanting to come back again as quickly as attainable.

Regardless of the off-field challenges and summer season hypothesis, Gaspart stays optimistic. He believes probably the most instant precedence is making certain all gamers are registered forward of the season opener.

Thankfully for FC Barcelona, they concluded their pre-season on a excessive, thrashing Daegu FC 5-0, a efficiency that set the tone for what could possibly be a memorable marketing campaign beneath Hansi Flick.