Rashford over Nico, Camp Nou concerns, and UCL hopes – Joan Gaspart gives honest Barcelona verdict

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·4 août 2025

Rashford over Nico, Camp Nou concerns, and UCL hopes – Joan Gaspart gives honest Barcelona verdict

Former FC Barcelona president Joan Gaspart has never been one to hold back, and his latest comments are no exception.

In a recent interview on ‘El 10 del Barça’, as highlighted by SPORT, the outspoken ex-president offered his unfiltered views on Barcelona’s current state, including the failed pursuit of Nico Williams, the anticipated return to Spotify Camp Nou, and his expectations for the upcoming season under Hansi Flick.

Vidéos OneFootball

Optimism for the New Season

Gaspart began by expressing genuine excitement about the team’s prospects, emphasizing the continuity and ambition shown during pre-season.

Barça excites me. What excites me most is the ambition — they’ve started just as they finished, with hunger, and with a similar style of play. We have a squad that should bring us a lot of joy, especially with important additions like the goalkeeper (Joan Garcia). In four days we’re into the thick of the season, and I’d gladly sign for a repeat of last year — if possible, including the Champions League.

Despite being pleased with last season’s performance, Gaspart made it clear that winning Europe’s top prize remains a priority.

Last year we were close — for a few minutes we were in the final. Other teams have also strengthened, but I believe the players know they owe the fans the Champions League. I’d love to win it, but as I said, I’d sign for a brilliant season like the last one.

On Nico Williams: “Rashford is better”

When asked about Barcelona’s unsuccessful attempt to sign Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, Gaspart was blunt. He not only dismissed the failed transfer as a non-issue but also criticized Inaki Williams’ recent remarks.

Well, first of all, for me Marcus Rashford is better than Nico. From there, I care little about what (Iñaki Williams) might say. The player used us — in a good way — to get a good contract, and I’m happy for him.

Gaspart also pushed back against the frustration expressed by Athletic Club over the saga:

I don’t understand the disappointment or anger from Athletic. I’ve signed many important players from Bilbao, like Zubizarreta, and always got along well with their president.

He concluded the topic with a reminder to move forward and focus on the current campaign.

As you said, that’s in the past, and we must focus on the season and trust in the squad and the exceptional coach we have.

The Spotify Camp Nou Situation

Gaspart also addressed the ongoing issue of Barcelona’s temporary relocation to Montjuïc while renovations continue at Camp Nou. He emphasized the emotional and economic impact of the move.

Here’s how I see the stadium issue. It combines the sentiment of the fans — and the president is no exception. We want to return home as soon as possible, but little is said about the financial consequences of playing at Camp Nou with more fans instead of at Montjuïc. The numbers are clear: from having 60,000 season ticket holders to 15,000 at Montjuïc.

However, he urged caution in promising a return date, pointing out that the decision lies beyond the club’s control.

It should have been said that we’ll return to the stadium when possible — it’s not up to us (Barça). It’s up to the fire department, the city council… there are rules that must be followed. Let the president show the passion that fans want, but sometimes promises are made that can’t be kept, and that misleads people.

Gaspart revealed he had spoken to current president Joan Laporta to suggest a more measured approach:

I’ve told the president to say we’ll return when conditions allow it — because it depends on the city council’s criteria. Let’s not make commitments even if I know they speak from the heart, wanting to come back as soon as possible.

Despite the off-field challenges and summer speculation, Gaspart remains optimistic. He believes the most immediate priority is ensuring all players are registered ahead of the season opener.

Fortunately for FC Barcelona, they concluded their pre-season on a high, thrashing Daegu FC 5-0, a performance that set the tone for what could be a memorable campaign under Hansi Flick.