Barcelona president sends a strong message to the team ahead of Girona clash | OneFootball

Barcelona president Joan Laporta sent a strong motivational message to the team ahead of their away game against Girona.

“It is important to be second,” Laporta told his players as quoted by SPORT before meeting the Girona leaders at the traditional board lunch.

The outlet claims that Laporta, along with vice presidents Rafa Yuste and Elena Fort, arrived at Finca Mas Batlle on time.

The group from Barcelona was there for a meeting with Girona where they met President Delfi Geli and the club’s chairman, Pere Guardiola, at the restaurant.

After the meeting, the representatives from both clubs took a group photo at the restaurant’s entrance, highlighting the friendly relationship between the two teams.

Laporta stressed the significance of the upcoming match at Montilivi Stadium, where Barcelona and Girona will compete for second place in the league. This match is crucial as the winner will secure a spot in the Spanish Super Cup.

Barcelona must win against Girona. (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)

At present, Barcelona lead Girona by just two points, having accumulated a total of 73 points from 33 matches after 22 wins, seven draws and four defeats.

The home team, on the other hand, is on 71 points after 22 wins, five draws and six defeats.

Why is it important for Barcelona to be 2nd?

Traditionally, the Spanish Super Cup used to involve just two teams: the finalists of the Copa del Rey.

However, the tournament format has changed to include four teams: the winners and runners-up of both the Copa del Rey and La Liga. This shift to include four teams in the competition was announced in 2019.

The change meant Barcelona, who lost the Supercopa final this season and didn’t reach the Copa del Rey final, would need to finish as runners-up in La Liga to qualify for next year’s Supercopa.

To secure their spot, Barcelona must focus on their league performance. A win against Girona would give them a five-point lead over their nearest rivals, which they could maintain until the end of the season.