The Spanish Public Prosecution Service is at home in Camp Nou during this period, in connection with a high-profile corruption case involving a million-dollar payment to a former referee boss in Spain. Chairman Joan Laporta defends his club with ever stronger lyrics.
Laporta almost cries: “Don’t let anyone think it’s weakness”
It is all slander, says the president of the charge, which is now also supported by many other Spanish clubs, including Real Madrid, which has supported it. In a performance in his own stadium, he again showed fiercely on Monday.
“Barca is a club with values. We don’t use that word to look good, but because values are a fundamental part of our model of sporting excellence. Some, motivated by envy, try to smear our reputation with malicious campaigns,” notes El Mundo Deportivo.
Laporta once again shared his belief that the allegations, which an independent prosecutor now considers proven, have no relation to the truth. He added, “There have been savage attacks on our logo, which have nothing to do with reality. Rest assured: the board, of which I am the chairman to my credit. We will defend the club with everything we have.”
The president of the Blaugrana was quite moved and was close to tears at the end of his speech. “Don’t think my emotions are due to weakness. I’m emotional because I want to face all the villains who foul our logo. Don’t let anyone think it’s due to weakness,” concluded the president.
Simeone helps Atlético by handing in millions
Sticking with the Spanish top division, Diego Simeone is the highest paid trainer in the world. But the Argentinian will reportedly make it with an ounce less for the time being. The Atlético Madrid coach would have agreed to a salary cut.
According to el Periódico de España, Simeone has approved a provision that reduces his annual salary by 3.5 million euros, from 20 million to 16.5 million. Simeone would make this sacrifice to help the club absorb the lost European income: In a Champions League group with Club Brugge, FC Porto and Bayer Leverkusen, Atlético surprisingly finished last before the winter break, so that the lucrative European evenings soon were at an end.
Diego Simeone, who will again achieve better results at the Wanda Metropolitano in 2023. Would also have committed to serving his contract until mid-2024 anyway. And therefore at a reduced salary. Simeone has coached the Reds since 2011, and recently broke Luís Aragones’ record. As coach leading the most games at Los Rojiblancos.
