Ferrer: "The president should give the example"

Barcelona assets vice-president and presidential candidate Jaume Ferrer gave an interview to Catalan online paper El Singular Digital.


Some of the directors who left during the Laporta era have accused the president of distancing himself from the initial project. You share this vision?
The project for Barça has been functioning very well. We have maintained the sports and economic model to great success during those years. But there have been changes in the style and the actions of president Laporta. He has done many positive things, but he has done some things very badly. The latter, though they were few, are the ones who have sticked. I think the next president of Barça should try to not act in an unfortunate way.

But this is a position that carries responsibility and stress. Is it possible not to make any slip?
Yes, and the president should be the first to give the example. We need to find the best relations possible with all types of institutions, with other clubs, as well as a very direct contact with the partner.

You dare to give president Laporta a note?
I'm not good at giving notes but I can say that he will be remembered as one of the greatest presidents of Barça.

Laporta has launced his website and has brought his political career a little closer...
Everyone is responsible for his own decisions. I respect everyone's actions and it is he who must assess when and how he plans his political future. If I was in his situation, I would wait until I'm not the president of Barça anymore.

But you have been one of the most important people in the board. You have never suggested him to leave his political career until after the upcoming elections?
That is irrelevant. He has felt that he should do it the way he has done it. At some occasions, he has done it perfectly, he has defended the values of Barça. Now, however, he is using the club as a tool to enter in politics.

Let's talk about football. There are already people who try to question the team of Guardiola. And every project has to renew itself. This Barça can be improved somehow?
This is the best team in the world, a group made by the technical staff. And it's very clear to us that we will continue to give all our confidence to both the sports director and the coach. It must be them who lead the renewal of this team.

The coach and the sports director will be two of the pillars on which you will base your presidency in case you are elected?
Yes, and besides that, we will keep on investing in the youth academy without sacrificing our spectacular and competitive way of playing. We will have an economic model that keeps going for more internationalization. And as far as specific proposals are concerned, we want to build a new Palau Blaugrana, to reform the Nou Camp and to redevelop the Miniestadi.

The last question, a more personal one. What kind of relationship do you today have with Laporta?
My relationship with Laporta was much closer in 2003 than it is now. I do not know who or what is to blame, but today I feel further away from his way of doing things.

this was the second part of this interview. you can read the first part here.

Read more:
Ferrer won't accept conditions Laporta
Laporta confirms board support for Ferrer
Ferrer: "We should study shirt sponsorship"

interview: xavier march