The Santiago Bernabéu press room hosted Xavi Hernández as Barcelona prepared for their La Liga fixture with Athletic Bilbao. The coach faced questions about Joan Laporta’s recent statements, offering a measured take on the discussions surrounding influence and perception in Spanish football. He described the term sociological Madridism as an idea used to describe tactics attributed to clubs from the capital that aim to unsettle Barça. Xavi recalled the origin of the notion, noting how it paralleled earlier debates that swirled around Barcelona during their most successful periods. He stressed that such talk does not come from inside the locker room, yet it serves as a signal that the phenomenon exists. He also reaffirmed his complete support for Laporta, declaring his full alignment with the president’s stance and leadership.
The discussion traced the historical roots of Villarato to a prominent Madrid-based journalist, Alfredo Relaño, who linked actions by former Real Federación Española de Fútbol (RFEF) president Ángel María Villar to the two heavyweight clubs, Real Madrid and Barcelona. Over time, the term came to symbolize in parts of the media a perception of refereeing bias in favor of Barcelona, a narrative reinforced by coverage that sometimes framed decisions as influenced by the federation. Xavi reiterated that the coach does not draw conclusions from empty talk, but acknowledged that the perception exists and is fed by ongoing discourse in the football landscape. The message remained clear: Barcelona stands by its achievements and its leadership, while acknowledging the media and political pressures that shape public opinion. [citation Goal]
Laporta’s earlier assertion that there is a coordinated campaign to undermine the club through the Negreira case was highlighted in the discussion. He argued that a powerful sociological Madridism exists at the heart of the capital’s power centers and claimed to have faced and resisted it. The Barcelona president suggested that these forces fear a return to the club’s peak years, a period many supporters still regard as the apex of Barça’s history. Xavi echoed that sentiment, emphasizing unity with Laporta and the need to stay focused on football while recognizing that external narratives can attempt to influence how the club is perceived. [citation Goal]
When asked about Real Madrid’s view on Barcelona’s recent success, Xavi chose to defer, suggesting that the question might be better directed toward Madrid’s side. He stated clearly that he and Laporta share a common stance on what they see as a biased narrative and reaffirmed their partnership in steering Barcelona through a difficult media environment. The coach did not shy away from addressing the Negreira case directly. He framed the controversy within the broader discussion of sociological Madridismo rather than as a stand-alone piece of evidence. The take-home message was straightforward: Barcelona remains committed to defending its leadership and its on-pitch performance, while steering the conversation toward the political and media pressures that shape public opinion. [citation Goal]
In summary, Xavi presented a unified front with Laporta, underscoring that the club’s identity is rooted in results and tradition rather than rumor. The exchange highlighted the ongoing tension between Barcelona and the broader media narrative in Spanish football, a dynamic that continues to influence public perception long after each press conference ends. The room left with a shared understanding: Barcelona will continue to pursue excellence on the field while acknowledging the narratives that attempt to frame the club’s legacy in a particular light. [citation Goal]