Laporta insists Barcelona should have had two penalties vs Rayo Vallecano, fully backs Xavi | OneFootball

Speaking at the presentation of the ‘TV3 marathon’, Barcelona president Joan Laporta gave his support and full backing to manager Xavi Hernandez.

Over the past few weeks, there has been a lot of pressure on Xavi, and the speculations about his future at Barça ramped up following this past weekend’s 1-1 draw vs Rayo Vallecano.

Laporta meeting with Barcelona Atletic boss Rafa Marquez after watching their away game further sparked rumours about Xavi’s continuity.

Laporta and Barcelona fully behind Xavi

However, Laporta has come out and reiterated again that he has full trust in Xavi and believes that he is the right man for the job.

As quoted by AS, the Barcelona president said: “We totally and absolutely close ranks with Xavi. He is our coach and we are very proud to have him with us. We are with him totally, full confidence.”

Laporta further insisted that things will improve for Xavi and the team with Pedri and Frenkie de Jong now returning from their injuries.

“Now he has Pedri and Frenkie. And when he hasn’t had them, he has done quite well under the circumstances. I spoke to him after Vallecas and he is very motivated. We are aware of what we have and Xavi is doing well,” he added.

Barcelona deserved two penalties vs Rayo

Furthermore, talking about the 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano this past weekend, Laporta insisted that Barcelona should have been awarded two penalties, one for a foul on Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski each.

“I think we all agree that Raphinha’s was a penalty like a cathedral. And Lewandowski’s too. They were two very clear penalties. We’re going to try to win, which is our business, the rest is water under the bridge,” he said.

Laporta also spoke about Barça’s UEFA Champions League clash against FC Porto, backing the team to do well and dedicating the victory to Gavi, who will undergo surgery tomorrow.

“I am convinced that the team will be determined to win the game and also win for Gavi and thus be able to dedicate the victory and the qualification to him. Against Porto, I hope we play a great game and qualify for the Champions League knockouts,” Laporta said.