Former Barcelona president Joan Gaspart has delivered a candid and passionate assessment of the club’s current state as they gear up for a crucial new campaign. In a wide-ranging interview with El 10 del Barça, as cited by Diario SPORT, Gaspart didn’t hold back on his thoughts regarding Barça’s squad, transfers, and lingering infrastructure challenges.
Gaspart expressed optimism about the team’s trajectory, especially with the spirit shown in pre-season. “Barça excites me,” he declared. “What excites me most is the ambition—the desire, the hunger, and the style of play remain intact. We’ve started the way we finished.”
The veteran figure also highlighted the importance of key additions, notably goalkeeper Joan Garcia, calling him one of the “important reinforcements” for the upcoming season. Joan Gaspart’s tone reflected the hopes of many Barça fans who are eager to see the club return to the summit of both domestic and European competitions.
Champions League Still the Ultimate Dream
Despite the optimism, Joan Gaspart was measured in his expectations, referencing Barcelona’s painful Champions League semifinal exit to Inter Milan last season. For him, a repeat of last year—with a better ending—would be satisfactory.
“We were in the final for a few minutes,” Gaspart recalled, referring to Barça’s narrow elimination. “The players owe the Champions League to the fans. I’d love to win it, but even a season like the last one would be acceptable.”
He emphasized that other European powerhouses have also strengthened, making the competition even stiffer. However, Joan Gaspart’s realistic view is grounded in experience: winning Europe’s biggest club competition requires not only talent but consistency, unity, and a bit of fortune.
Gaspart: Marcus Rashford a Better Signing Than Nico Williams
In a bold statement, Gaspart weighed in on one of the most talked-about transfer sagas of the summer—Barcelona’s failed pursuit of Nico Williams, who ultimately renewed his contract with Athletic Club. But the ex-president had no regrets.
“Marcus Rashford is better than Nico,” Joan Gaspart said emphatically. “From here on, I don’t care what Inaki might say.” With those words, he made it clear that he believes Barça have upgraded significantly by landing the England international from Manchester United.
Joan Gaspart didn’t shy away from criticizing how the Nico saga was handled. He suggested that the player may have used Barcelona’s interest to secure a better deal at his current club. “The player has used us in a good way – he’s gotten a good contract, and I’m happy for him,” he added.
Transfer Drama and Nostalgic Reflections on Athletic Bilbao Dealings
While speaking about Nico, Joan Gaspart reminisced about past transfers involving Athletic Bilbao, expressing confusion at the backlash from the Basque club.
“I’ve signed many players from Bilbao like Zubizarreta and always got along with their president,” he recalled. “I don’t understand Athletic’s anger. This is in the past.”
For Gaspart, the focus must now be on the present and future. “We have to trust the squad and the exceptional coach we have,” he said, referring to current manager Xavi Hernandez. With a blend of experience and emerging talent, Gaspart believes Barça can still challenge for silverware, even without Nico.
The Camp Nou Dilemma: Delays, Regulations, and Economic Impact
One of the biggest unresolved issues for the club remains the Camp Nou redevelopment. Barcelona have been forced to play home matches at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys (Montjuïc) during construction, a move that has had significant financial repercussions.
Gaspart stressed the massive revenue difference between playing at Camp Nou and Montjuïc. “From 60,000 season ticket holders to 15,000 at Montjuïc – the numbers are crystal clear,” he noted.
He acknowledged that fans are growing restless, but insisted the delay isn’t the club’s fault. “It’s not up to us. It’s the firefighters’ decision, the city council. Rules have to be followed.” Gaspart criticized overly ambitious public deadlines, urging the club to communicate more realistically with fans about when the stadium will be ready.
Joan Gaspart’s Advice to Laporta: Don’t Overpromise
In his closing remarks, Joan Gaspart offered a word of advice to current club president Joan Laporta, suggesting he temper expectations about the stadium return.
“I’ve told the president to say we’ll return when circumstances allow, because it depends on the council’s discretion,” Gaspart stated. “Let’s not commit to something we can’t control.”
His comments underline a central tension at Barcelona—balancing ambition with reality. While fans eagerly await a return to their spiritual home, the club’s leadership must navigate bureaucratic red tape, logistical delays, and public pressure.
Gaspart’s message is clear: transparency, not promises, should lead the way as Barcelona face one of the most defining seasons in recent memory—on and off the pitch.
