Joan Laporta is displeased with the circumstances.
The president of Barcelona, Joan Laporta, has urged FIFA to modify international pauses following Blaugrana luminary Raphinha suffering a hamstring ailment during his match for Brazil.
Raphinha is expected to be absent for a significant portion of Barca’s season-closing fixtures, having incurred the setback during Brazil’s 2-1 loss to France last Thursday.
He anticipates five weeks away from play, which signifies the forward will miss Saturday’s LaLiga match against Atletico Madrid and Barca’s Champions League quarter-final clash with the same rivals, in addition to at least one leg of a possible semi-final.
Nevertheless, Raphinha might be able to make his comeback for the Clasico versus Real Madrid on May 10.
Yet, Laporta is quite discontented with the state of affairs.
“It is scandalous that FIFA establishes such compressed timetables and disregards official tournaments,” Laporta conveyed to Món Esport.
“Somehow, we ought to insist that FIFA devise a global calendar that considers the tournaments in which the foremost clubs participate.
“Indeed, it is exceedingly vexing when one of our squad’s top players sustains an injury during a friendly encounter between France and Brazil in the United States.
“One cannot fault the player, as he is a professional, and moreover, he is representing his nation and must exert maximum effort.”
Barcelona’s Chief Discusses Rashford and Flick’s Prospects
Raphinha’s ailment will probably create further chances for the English attacker Marcus Rashford as he nears the concluding weeks of his temporary tenure with Barca.
Rashford has netted nine goals and contributed 10 assists since his transfer to Barca from Manchester United, although his long-term prospects past this campaign remain ambiguous.
The validity of a €30 million acquisition clause for Rashford is ambiguous, and Barca is reportedly eager to renegotiate the conditions for a prospective permanent transfer.
When questioned about Rashford and his fellow temporary player Joao Cancelo, Laporta responded: “[Sporting director] Deco and [Hansi] Flick must make the determination.
“Rashford is experiencing a commendable season, and Cancelo is performing exceptionally.”
Regarding discussions about extending the contract for head coach Flick, who has stated Barca will be his ultimate role in football, Laporta elaborated: “He chooses to assess the circumstances at the close of the season and determine his course of action.
“Once the season concludes and matters have stabilized, we will engage in discussions. He perceives no urgency to hasten the process.
“I believe he has merited a contract renewal, but he opts to converse about it following the season’s conclusion, evaluate the scenario, and make a decision.
“Should we opt for another year, it is already his.”