Joan Laporta discusses Alejandro Echevarría’s role at Barcelona after Xavi’s criticism

Joan Laporta has been talking about Alejandro Echevarría following criticism from former Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez.

Xavi has given an explosive interview this week, criticising Laporta, and claiming Echevarria effectively runs the club.

“I signed for Barça thanks to him [Laporta], but he ended up letting me down. Why? He dismissed me as coach without telling me the truth, influenced by someone I believe is above the president, Alejandro Echevarría. In other words, it was Alejandro who dismissed me as coach,”

“That’s how this Barça works, it’s practically run by Alejandro Echevarría. He was someone with whom I had a close, friendly relationship, and that’s why his departure from Barça is perhaps the biggest disappointment. He completely let me down.”

Echevarria’s role at the club is unclear – he’s been regularly described as an ‘advisor’ to Laporta – and the club chief has shared a bit of information about his role at the club.

“There’s no need for him to have the status of employee or director; he has his own job, he’s on leave, the club doesn’t incur any expenses related to him, the president authorizes it, and he’s a trusted person,” he said.

“We’re not sectarian; he’s been a member for 25 years, he has the silver badge, he does a good job, he’s efficient, and I can rely on him. I’m very satisfied with the work he’s doing.”

Xavi also claimed that Echevarría went around talking to players including “Sergi Roberto, Araújo, Pedri, and Raphinha, telling them that I wanted to sell them” before his exit from the club.