Joan Laporta: Always Unpredictable

Barcelona president Joan Laporta spoke to the press ahead of tonight’s crucial clash against Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderon, and commented on the unpredictable nature of the fixture in the past few seasons.

The Blaugrana have won only one of their last seven league matches against Los Colchoneros and in 2008/09 they were defeated 4-3 in a classic Liga encounter.

Laporta stated that his side will offer no excuses for defeat despite the squad crisis currently facing Pep Guardiola, who has a number of first team players unavailable including Daniel Alves, Eric Abidal and the suspended Gerard Pique and Rafael Marquez.

He said, “We do not offer any reason or excuse for the losses we have had. There are enough personnel available to win this match. Clashes with Atletico Madrid are very open, and anything can happen.”

Laporta also insisted that he is not concerned by the form or rivals Real Madrid, who defeated Xerez 3-0 on Saturday evening to reduce the gap at the top of the Primera Division table to just two points.

He added, “Our team only has to worry about our game, we should not worry about other teams.”