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.”

The Most Important Moment In Their History

Laporta is confident that the Blaugrana can capture the Club World Cup

Following Barcelona’s victory over Mexican outfit Atlante in FIFA’s Club World Cup earlier today, Blaugrana president Joan Laporta has heralded the upcoming final against Estudiantes as "the most important" in the club's illustrious history.

"We are in the most important moment in our history and I am confident that the strength and spirit of Barcelona fans will bring us victory," he said, according to Marca.com.

Barcelona booked their place in the final with yet another accomplished performance after going a goal behind just five minutes in, but Laporta was never worried about the outcome.

"Beyond the mishap the first goal, we controlled the game in a devastating way," he said.

Barcelona will now march into the final this weekend where they will face Juan Veron’s Estudiantes in the hope of being crowned World Champions for the first time in their illustrious history.

If they are to win the elusive trophy, they may have to do it without midfielder Andres Iniesta who picked up a muscle injury. Barcelona officials have confirmed the muscle damage but said they won’t know the full extent of the problem until team doctors have inspected him back at the club’s hotel.

Begiristain Wary Of Dynamo Kiev

The Blaugrana are not through yet

Barcelona travel to Kiev needing to avoid a loss by two goals or more to progress in the Champions League, and Txiki Begiristain knows that it won't be easy.

Speaking to Marca before boarding the plane, Begiristain said, "This is the most important game of the year."

"Our objective is to qualify, if possible in first place. This has been a very hard group, with four champions.

"The cold weather and state of the pitch are a concern.

"It will not be as comfortable as the game against Inter."

Should Barca lose by two goals or more, they will need the game between Inter and Rubin Kazan to finish in a draw to progress.

Laporta Caught Partying In Nightclub After Barcelona’s Win Over Real Madrid

The Blaugrana supremo finally decided to let his hair down

Barcelona president, Joan Laporta couldn’t contain his joy after his side downed Real Madrid 1-0 in Sunday evening’s 159th league edition of El Clasico.

The chief had to restrain himself in the Camp Nou VIP box after the final whistle whilst being surrounded by other dignitaries and his counterpart, Florentino Perez, calmly applauding and acknowledging his players from up in the stands.

But once the lights went on in the stadium, he decided to let it out all and celebrate the victory until the early hours of the morning.

Argentine publication, La Gaceta ran pictures of Laporta looking unruly in his suit in the Luz de Gas nightclub accompanied by one of the board members, Xavier Sala I Marti.

It is reported that Laporta danced to Coldplay’s ‘Viva La Vida’ which has become an unofficial anthem for the club ever since their Champions League triumph in Rome back in May. He was also spotted with a cigar in hand while drinking French champagne and ended the night with his suit drenched in alcohol.

This was Laporta’s last El Clasico at the Camp Nou as Barcelona president, as he will step down from his post at the end of the season having completed his mandate.