Laporta On Pep, Cruyff, Rijkaard, Messi And Eto'o

CelticKing · Sep 8, 2008

Laporta On Pep, Cruyff, Rijkaard, Messi And Eto'o

In a revealing interview with Sport.es, Barcelona president Joan Laporta said that ex-players Johan Cruyff and Josep Guardiola were the only men fit to replace Frank Rijkaard this summer and confirmed that the Dutchman knew of his fate back in January…

The oft outspoken president of the Blaugrana said, “There were very few coaches to replace Rijkaard, let alone surpass him. The unique ones were Guardiola and Cruyff. The other options were very good, but they did not give the entirety that Guardiola gives.”

Ever since his playing and managing days with Barcelona, where Cruyff was labelled ‘El Salvador’ - The Saviour - he has remained closely associated to the club and it seems that he had a big say in the recent managerial appointment.

Laporta revealed, "We asked people who are experts and who have experience of the club. I went to speak with Cruyff and I asked him his opinion on the situation.

"He, like I, was determined to support Frank to the end. He commented that he thought Guardiola was very well prepared, though. If Johan advises me this, and I also think that is the best for the Barcelona, I am going to do it."

Last season was one of Barcelona’s worst in recent memory and Laporta reveals that he notified Rijkaard of his impending exit while the campaign was far from complete.

“We decided on Guardiola and we told Frank back in January that at the end of the season he would be replaced by Guardiola,” the president explained. “In January, I ate with Frank and I told him this is what was prepared.”

Messy Messi

Speaking away from the subject of managers Laporta also spoke about another hot issue this summer: the departure of Lionel Messi to the Olympics. He said, “It was resolved brilliantly. We were right in our demand to not let him play at the Olympics.

“With this victory, we valued what was important for a player. We decided that it was important that Messi should not feel bad and that he should not regret not going.

“We told him he would be the pride of Barcelona for winning the gold and he gave us thanks and said when he returned he would give it his all.”

Maverick

Messi was not the only worry for Laporta this summer, with both Ronaldinho and Deco leaving the club, as well as concerns over the future of Samuel Eto’o. The president insists that the striker was never going to leave, though, adding: “A last opportunity had been given to Rijkaard, to Deco, to Ronaldinho, but never to Samuel. His circumstances were different. He carried two years with injuries, without being able to catch the rhythm”

“He is a maverick because he contributes energy - a necessary attribute in every team.

“Samuel has now renewed his ambition. He has seen that a group with the hunger for victory has been created.

“We do not want that to change, nor his character and personality,” he concluded.
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Laporta On Pep, Cruyff, Rijkaard, Messi And Eto'o

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Laporta On Pep, Cruyff, Rijkaard, Messi And Eto'o

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