Laporta spoke about the ongoing controversy during a debate for the Barcelona presidency, hosted by Mundo Deportivo, RAC1, and La Vanguardia.
The 62-year-old expressed surprise at the comments from former Barcelona coach Xavi but reaffirmed the tough choices he made as president, according to Barça Universal.
“I was surprised and hurt. When I hear statements from Xavi, I think of Flick. It’s challenging to be president of Barça, and tough decisions are necessary. I did what I needed to do,” he said.
“With Xavi, I saw that we were going to lose, and with Flick, I believe we will win. I understand that Xavi is upset. With the same players, Xavi was losing, while Flick is winning.”
Since joining Barcelona, Hansi Flick has secured four titles: La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and two Spanish Super Cups.
Xavi criticizes Barcelona leadership
In an interview, Xavi suggested that his firing as Barcelona coach was influenced by Alejandro Echevarria.
He remarked, “I signed with Barça because of him (Laporta), but he ultimately let me down. He dismissed me as coach without the truth, influenced by someone I believe has more power, Alejandro Echevarria.”
“In essence, Alejandro was the one who fired me as coach. This is how Barça operates; it’s almost entirely managed by Alejandro Echevarria.”
Xavi also claimed that Laporta ruled out Lionel Messi’s return to Barcelona in 2023 at the last moment when a deal seemed almost final.
“The president wasn’t truthful about that either. Leo was set to come back. In January 2023, after he became world champion, we talked, and he was excited to return, which I could see,” Xavi said (via Barça Universal).
“The president began negotiations with Leo’s father, and we had the approval from La Liga, but it was the president who ultimately let it fall through.”