Barça’s video of the year: Joan Laporta celebrates Copa del Rey win with the dressing room | OneFootball

Over the last half a decade, Barcelona suffered under the horrible management of Josep Bartomeu. That was, thankfully, put to bed in October, when the Spaniard resigned from his post, consequently calling for elections. In March, after several delays, Joan Laporta was elected to the post, and immediately the dressing room seemed more united than ever.

This was proven once again as Barcelona posted a video from the dressing room with Laporta celebrating the Copa del Rey win against Athletic Bilbao. The video shows the president arriving at the dressing room and meeting players, including youngsters like Sergino Dest and Ronald Araujo. He shares a moment with old friend Lionel Messi, before joining the team in the middle as the team continues to sing with energy.

This may seem like a routine, but there are not many presidents or owners in the world who take the initiative to join the team as part of their celebrations in the dressing room after the game. Laporta understands what the trophy — their first in two years — means for the team, especially for the veterans who have been with the club through thick and thin.

This is exactly what Barça were lacking for several years — a president who bridges the gap between the dressing room and the administration and helps the players feel part of something bigger. Laporta is that man, and under his leadership, there are little to no doubts that the club will continue to grow and prosper.