Former president of Barcelona, Joan Gaspart, is never anyone who is. In a recent interview with Barça 10 (H/T Sports newspaper), The experienced manager offered his candid views of the Barcelona team on the way to the new season.
He also spoke about Barça’s newest signing, Marcus Rashford, as well as the return of the club to Camp Nou and why it takes so long.
Gaspart on the Barcelona team
Gaspart started on an optimistic note and praised the spirit and ambition of the club on the way to the new campaign.
“Barça fascinates me,” he said. “What excites me the most is the ambition; they started while they were ready, the desire, with a similar playing style. We have a team that has to bring a lot of joy, with important additions such as the goalkeeper (Joan Garcia).”
And although he remained hopeful about another strong season, he kept the expectations grounded.
“In four days we will be in the middle of the season and I would sign the same as last year – if it could be with the Champions League,” he said.
Gaspart also hit Barça’s painful near-miss in Europe last season, when Barcelona lost to Inter Milan in the semi-final.
“Last year we came in the neighborhood; we were in the final for a few minutes. Other teams were also improved, but yes, the players know that they owe the Champions League to their fans. I would like to win it, but I would also be happy with a season like the last one,” “ he said.
Rashford
One of Barcelona’s biggest misses this summer was Nico Williams, because the club could not close the deal on time and forced the young person to sign a new contract with Athletic Club.
However, Gaspart believes that Barcelona has received an even better option in the form of Marcus Rashford.
“First of all, Marcus Rashford is better than Nico for me. From now on I don’t care what Inaki might say,” he said.
“The player has used us in a good way – he has received a good contract and I am happy for him. I don’t understand the anger of Athletic. I have many players from Bilbao, such as Zubizarreta, and was always able to get along with their president,” “ He said about Nico.
“This is in the past. We have to concentrate on the season and trust the team and the exceptional coach we have,” he added.
Gaspart on Camp Nou Project
Finally, Gaspart touched the Camp Nou project, which takes longer than necessary, where Barcelona is not sure if they can return to the stadium in September.
“We want to return home as quickly as possible, but there is little talk about the economic consequences of playing in Camp Nou with more people instead of Montjuic,” he said.
“From 60,000 seasonal card holders to 15,000 at Montjuic – the figures are crystal clear,” he added.
Gaspart continued that the Camp Nou project is being postponed because of strict regulations established by the city council.
“It is not up to us. It is the decision of the fire brigade, the city council. Rules must be followed. The president must show the passion that members want, but sometimes dates are determined that cannot be met – and that is misleading,” “ he said.
“I told the president to say that we will return when the circumstances allow, because it depends on the discretion of the council. Let’s not commit ourselves to something that we cannot check,” “ He concluded.
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