Barcelona’s title charge ended on the penultimate matchday of La Liga. The Blaugrana were eliminated from the championship race following a 2-1 loss to Celta Vigo. Now, president Joan Laporta has warned the club that changes might be aplenty this summer.
Laporta, who was re-elected as the club’s president in March, stated in an interview recently that several major decisions will be taken from next week onwards.
The Catalan was quick to play down the team’s Copa del Rey win this season, instead choosing to focus on the competitions they didn’t win. Apart from La Liga heartbreak, Barca were knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16.
“A cycle has come to an end and we are working on a renewal process,”
“From next week, you will see several decisions which must be taken. We have to work hard to build a competitive team to win league titles and Champions Leagues.
“When I speak of a cycle coming to an end or about renovation work, it’s because it’s what I believe must be done.
“We won the Copa del Rey, which we are proud of, but we were knocked out of the Champions League early and have lost La Liga incomprehensibly from my point of view.”
Laporta said.
Laporta’s comments will undoubtedly lead to speculation regarding the futures of several key personnel, including head coach Ronald Koeman. It was reported previously that the club was looking to replace the Dutchman before next season but would only sack him officially if they found an alternative first.
To that end, Xavi Hernandez has been linked with a move back to his boyhood club. He led Al Sadd to the Qatari league title this season and has been linked with the Barcelona managerial job over the past couple of seasons.
