La Liga has a new leader, Real Madrid. The White House took the provisional lead thanks to its success in Valencia, during its late match (2-1, with a good Mbappé). The club from the Spanish capital is still waiting for the calendar update (Atletico will host Osasuna on January 12) to find out if it can move there. Beyond the sporting aspect, it is also on the institutional level that the Madrilenians are teaching Laporta's Barça a lesson.
At Real Madrid, reign is rarely shared. For the first time this season, the club led by Fiorentino Perez occupies first place in the ranking. The Madrilenians followed the pace of Atletico to come back on Barça. The Blaugrana club for its part is only 3rd. The Catalans have only scored 5 points out of the last 21 in play. A relegation course.
Entangled in their financial affairs, Barça leaders were unable to prevent a new institutional crisis with the non-registration of Dani Olmo. The player can commit wherever he wants after the procedure put in place by La Liga and the Spanish Federation. He can also not terminate his contract and commit elsewhere in the form of a loan.
A case which brought to the surface the institutional fragility of Barça and its always delicate financial management. Bad news that hides another. The Camp Nou cannot welcome its team for the first quarter. A situation which has greatly weakened President Laporta, increasingly contested by socios.
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The Olmo affair is first and foremost Barça's amateurism
It must be recognized that nothing more was needed to reignite tensions within the FC Barcelona house. Laporta, the president of Barça, finds himself on the front line in the management of the Olmo affair which has lasted since July 2024. His opponents seized the opportunity.
Even Barça players demanded accountability from their management. One of the most emblematic is none other than Yamin Lamal. The 18-year-old Blaugrana star did not appreciate the way his teammate is being treated. Olmo being unanimous in the locker room. The Masia players expressed their doubts.
At the beginning of January, a meeting between Laporta and Flick took place. The first trying to reassure the second about Barça's financial capacity to strengthen this winter and even for the future. However, no one can doubt that Barça's governing bodies have activated panic mode.
In fact, the sending of the documents was done with the greatest urgency as reported by the Catalan media. However, the deadline has been known internally to Barça's legal unit for weeks. Beyond the complications linked to the club's finances, the “amateur” side bothers everyone. From the sociologists to the players, including the coach, who remains discreet. A choice which questions the instability which has plagued Barça since 2015. The club is unable to propose a solid and serene long-term project.
Gavi, the precedent of the Olmo affair
Another player is concerned: Gavi. The player almost went free a year ago for the same procrastination. Both parties agreed to maintain the necessary calm and serenity. On the other hand, it came close to losing the player who has been at Barça since he was little. Now linked for the long term.
Another player, Pau Victor is in the same situation as his compatriot Dani Olmo. A situation not yet resolved since the player is not currently registered on the club's player list. If the Blaugrana are waiting for the transfer of 100 million euros from Qatar, there are still doubts about the confidence of the leaders to bring the club back to the top. In La Liga and on the European scene.
Real takes care of its players
Faced with Barça's tarnished image, Real stands out and scores points in the opposition between the two La Liga enemies. The White House takes care of its players and has been able to distance itself from the chaotic management of Barça. At Real, Fiorentino Perez has very precise criteria. First of all, the image of the institution takes precedence over everything.
It must be said that the Spanish leader who returned to power in 2009 does not care about the status of the player. Real comes first, the player later. So, when old age presents itself, Madrid's leaders are unanimous. Contracts last 1 year and no more.
An excellent choice for all parties. Like Modric, or even Lucas Vasquez, the White House takes the time and remains very clear with its players. The negotiation took place as planned and without problem or controversy. At least that is the feeling that is put forward.
In any case, beyond 30 years, Real applied the same method for everyone. In the event of disagreement, the White House does not retain anyone. We have to go back to the Sergio Ramos case to see this policy applied. The emblematic Spanish captain had tried to make his President give in, without success. At Real, image has a price, that of excellence and high standards, quite the opposite of Barça which makes headlines for the wrong reasons. And if, in addition, the results are no longer there…
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