Joan Laporta's current term at Barcelona has been largely aimed at lifting the club from the financial mess they were in at the time of his arrival. After all, the club were sinking into debt when he took over as the president. Through well-negotiated salary revisions, player sales and economic levers, Laporta brought Barcelona back to a competitive level on the field and close to the financial 1:1 rule, although they still have not hit the aforementioned balance yet. The club's situation and means of getting out of it, however, have generated significant debate in recent times.
"He suggested, 'can you not ask [Danish coach Sepp] Piontek to play for 45 minutes or maybe less? Then I'll pick you up and we come with a private jet and you can play in the evening in Bochum'. "I was not thinking it was too crazy because I was in the best shape of my life."
