Marc Ciria, a former member of Joan Laporta’s presidential campaign team in 2015, has publicly criticized the Barcelona president for his management style and lack of transparency. In an interview with Sport, Ciria, a respected economist and long-time contributor to Barcelona’s operations, voiced his concerns about the current state of the club under Laporta’s leadership.
Ciria on Laporta’s Management
Ciria expressed frustration with Laporta’s approach to governance, stating:
“The Spanish Federation is based in Madrid, as is La Liga, which has created many obstacles for Barcelona in recent years. The concerns of stakeholders questioning the outdated management model have become visible. The president is focusing on a position that neither benefits him nor Barcelona.”
He criticized Laporta’s handling of key decisions, particularly the lack of transparency in recent dealings:
“I expected more transparency in the information shared. We’ve gone through a desert that has damaged the club’s reputation, especially regarding the most important signing of the season. I expected an apology from the president for what we’ve endured since August, as well as direct and harsh criticism of La Liga and the Professional Football League. Instead, we got a significant lack of transparency.”
On Lionel Messi and the Camp Nou Reopening
Ciria expressed hope that Lionel Messi could be honored at the reopening of the Spotify Camp Nou:
“I dream of seeing Messi at the new Camp Nou’s inauguration. I hope the president and his team do everything they can to make it happen.”
Comparing Laporta’s Current Model to 2015
Ciria highlighted significant differences between Laporta’s current leadership and his approach in 2015:
“This model isn’t ideal for managing an institution like Barcelona. It’s impossible for one person to know everything. You can’t have a leader who doesn’t accept criticism. This model belongs to a different era, perhaps two decades ago.”
On Voting for Laporta Again
When asked if he would vote for Laporta in the future, Ciria was unequivocal:
“No. I was aware of many people who supported him in 2021 but stopped shortly after. The plan I voted for only lasted seven months.”
Recent Criticism of Laporta
Laporta has faced mounting criticism for his handling of Barcelona’s financial challenges and the registration issues involving Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor. Many fans and stakeholders are questioning the sustainability of his management style and the club’s long-term direction.
Conclusion
Marc Ciria’s remarks reflect growing discontent with Joan Laporta’s presidency among key figures associated with Barcelona. As the club navigates economic struggles and controversial decisions, calls for greater transparency and modernized governance are becoming louder. Whether Laporta can address these concerns and restore confidence in his leadership remains to be seen.
