Two days later, Joan Laporta returned to Sant Joan Despí, standing beside Xavi Hernández as the coach announced he would depart on 30 June. The moment underscored a shared message: the future hinges on the players and the club itself, not on a single voice on the sidelines.
The coach stepped back, sensing the tension his presence caused, and he offered a farewell without stepping away. He also spoke of a possible comeback to the bench someday, acknowledging that he might return to the dugout when the time was right, even as he described the current phase as cruel and life-draining in its demands.
He did not close the door on a future return. He stressed that he is a club man and that the team would be prepared to rely on him if needed, while clearly saying the club does not require his services at that moment. The idea, he suggested, is to spark renewed enthusiasm and a different kind of leadership from the next coach. The statement carried a sense of mutual obligation between him and the club, hinting at a willingness to contribute in ways that go beyond a traditional coaching role.
It was not the only strand of conversation. In a broader sense, he reflected on the season ahead and the ongoing challenge of rebuilding morale within the squad. He recalled that his own decision to stay or leave has always aligned with the club’s needs and its broader strategy. The discussions touched on the delicate balance between ambition and the fiscal realities the club faces, including the complexities of debt, the strict constraints of financial fair play, and the decision to proceed with signings under careful scrutiny. In this light, he noted that the club had invested significant sums, including 30 million in transfers and 31 million in variables for Vitor Roque, highlighting that every move had been weighed against long-term sustainability and sporting objectives.
As conversations at the club deepened, the atmosphere around the squad and coaching staff began to shift. The leadership team recognized that a change in direction could inject energy into training, sharpen tactical focus, and restore morale across the group. The sequence of events pointed to a broader strategy: empower the players to take greater ownership of results, while inviting a coach who could bring fresh ideas, discipline, and a renewed sense of purpose. The public stance left room for future collaboration and a rebuilding sector within the club, ensuring that the transition would be guided by both responsibility and ambition. [Citation: Barça communications, 2024]