Barcelona President Joan Laporta Stresses Importance Of New Contract For Pep Guardiola

El Presidente is keen to tie down Pep before he leaves office...

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has again underlined the importance of Pep Guardiola to Barcelona’s recent success, declaring he will be negotiating a new contract with the charismatic coach before leaving office at the end of the season.

'El Presidente' was quoted in el Mundo Deportivo as saying forthcoming contract negotiations were “very important” and that he envisaged this period as just the start of Guardiola’s "long journey" as Barca coach.

"The team is working very well,” he said, “and has had a great ride with a great leader."

Laporta, who has been heavily linked with a move into the political arena, went on to categorically deny any suggestions that he may have used the club as launch pad for his political career.

”I've only used my ideas to serve as president of Barcelona and create a model that works very, very well and that has allowed Barca to enjoy happy times.”

Finally, the Barca chief aimed a warning shot in the direction of the forthcoming regime; emphasising what an excellent job he and his staff have done in assisting the coach over the last year or so.

"The directors and the president have had a philosophy and set policy to follow, taking decisions and executing them masterfully, just as Guardiola and the players have done."