Toni Freixa will stand for election as possible president of FC Barcelona at the end of January. Now the lawyer spoke in an interview about Lionel Messi’s contract extension, Neymar’s return and the whereabouts of Ronald Koeman.
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The election campaign at FC Barcelona is just getting started. While it was announced on Tuesday that both Joan Laporta and Emili Rousaud would officially announce their candidacy in the next few days, candidate Toni Freixa, who already worked under Presidents Joan Laporta, Sandro Rosell and Josep Maria Bartomeu at Barça, spoke out about Ronald Koeman, as well as Messi’s whereabouts and Neymar’s return.
A possible return of the Brazilian to Barça, which would have almost become a reality in the summer of 2019, gave Freixa a clear rejection in the event of an election victory. “Because of his performances, Neymar is currently not even among the 30 best players in Europe,” said the 52-year-old SER string. “If I were president, I wouldn’t sign him.”
Causa Messi “does not rob me of sleep”
With regard to Messi’s contract, which expires in a few months, the lawyer was much more moderate. In an interview with SPOX and Goal At the end of August he described Messi’s behavior after sending the burofax as “disappointing”. Now he said: “The most important thing about Barça is the club. We don’t depend on anyone. Messi has been everything and he has to keep going – I want him to keep going but one day he’ll have to leave anyway. It’s not a question that keeps me awake robs. “
Then Freixa continued: “The Messi cause is an important issue. We have to analyze the situation and we will have to make some decisions. You have to sit down with Messi and see what everyone else [beteiligten Parteien] want and what the club can offer. You have to ask him if he really wants to continue, although I am convinced that he will. “
At the beginning of November, Freixa had already commented on Messi’s contract extension. At the time, he said, with a view to Barça’s financial problems, which were exacerbated by the corona pandemic: “We will make an offer to both him and all players who renew or are signed, which cannot have the same conditions as before . ”
Xavi’s return “not yet time”
In addition, Freixa spoke with the interview SER string also for Ronald Koeman to stay. “Ronald Koeman is the coach. The club needs stability. Johan Cruyff was stuck with despite two seasons that weren’t the best – and then he won four championships.”
The former board member also took a clear position regarding possible commitments from former Real Madrid players. “A player who has worn the Real Madrid shirt cannot wear the Barça shirt.”
In the end, the 52-year-old promised a surprise soon. “The management I have chosen will surprise you very much. As for Xavi, one day he will be the coach of Barça. He will get the chance, but it is not time for that yet.”
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