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Problems are something that Barcelona president Joan Laporta is not short of, but there are as many rumors of discontent within the club as there are criticisms within it. While players admit that Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor’s registration drama has been far from ideal, their frustration is consistent with a number of reports.
According to Relevo, while Alejandro Baldé and Lamine Yamal were trying to convince Nico Williams to leave Athletic Club for Barcelona in the summer, there was a sector of the locker room that was not happy with the club’s efforts to sign the Basque winger. Other players were promised contract renewals and were not yet properly registered, but saw their club opt for Williams and then spend €55 million on Dani Olmo.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if Raphinha was among that group. The Brazilian has expressed his displeasure at the abuse he received on social media when Barcelona pursued Williams, and spoke about the Olmo and Victor situation, noting that it would make him think twice about joining the club if he were elsewhere. Shortly after those statements to the press, Laporta was seen speaking to Raphinha while Barcelona went out to train, although MD claims that Laporta was not yet aware of the Brazilian’s words at the time.
Hansi Flick: “Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor? I’m very happy for both of them. We found out on the bus and it’s great news for the whole club. It was a good sign for the whole team before the game started.”
— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) January 8, 2025
The clear line of disappointment of the players has been visible in their press functions, but also in private. According to Sport, Laporta had left it in the hands of Hansi Flick to explain the situation in which Olmo and Víctor found themselves, a job that Flick carried out. But after speaking with the squad, the players demanded that Laporta himself come to explain the matter. He duly did so, detailing his legal challenge, in a move that the visibly shaken Olmo and Víctor appreciated.
Laporta has seen criticism increase in the Catalan capital, and there is talk of a possible motion of censure against him. Ultimately, their survival depends on the team’s results on the field and to achieve this, motivated players are needed. As is the case with any boss, straining relationships with key employees requires careful handling.
