Players admit Dani Olmo and Pau Victor’s situation is far from ideal, their frustration is consistent with a series of reports.
According to Relevo, while Alejandro Balde and Lamine Yamal tried to convince Nico Williams to leave Athletic Club for Barcelona this summer, part of the dressing room was unhappy with the club’s efforts to sign the Basque winger. Other players were promised contract renewals and were not yet properly registered, but saw their club opt for Williams and then spend €55m on Dani Olmo.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Raphinha was part of this group. The Brazilian expressed his displeasure over the insults he received on social media as Barcelona pursued Williams, and he spoke out on Olmo and Victor’s situation, noting that it would make him think twice before to join the club if he was elsewhere. Shortly after these press statements, Laporta was seen chatting with Raphinha as Barca went out to train – MD says Laporta was not yet aware of the Brazilian’s comments at that time .
The angry locker room
The players’ disappointment was clearly manifested in their relations with the press, but also in private. According to Sport, Laporta had let Hansi Flick explain the situation Olmo and Victor found themselves in, a job that Flick carried out. After speaking to the team, the players demanded that Laporta himself come and explain the situation. He did so in detail, detailing their legal recourse, in a move that Olmo and Victor, visibly affected, appreciated.
Laporta has seen criticism mount in the Catalan capital, with rumors of a possible motion of no confidence against him. Ultimately, its survival depends on the team’s results on the field, and to achieve that, you need motivated players.
