Ronald Koeman and a light-headed Laporta on the deserted La Cartuja pitch
They celebrated the cup win which could prove to be the first of many trophies together
A month after becoming Barcelona president, Joan Laporta picked up his first trophy. It’s one of the more complicated seasons in Barcelona’s recent history to say the least, but he has an aura about him and was able to lay the first stone of the new era on Saturday.
The message has been unequivocal up to this point. Optimism, confidence, blind faith in what has to be done. Maximising resources to try and earn short term success and planting seeds for what’s to come. The Copa final in La Cartuja was important for Koeman, for the players too, but also for Laporta, who is conscious that a big display like this will help a lot.
It’s not just another title. It won’t fix the club’s economic situation but it will increase morale and give good vibes to help deal with what’s to come. And obviously that relevance was quickly reflected after Martinez Munuera blew his whistle.
After the party on the pitch, there were a few Barcelona board members too, led by a euphoric Laporta.
Virtually everyone had gone. Cameras, photographers, staff. After more than 20 minutes of photos from all angles with the trophy, captured by our Valenti Enrich. Yuste, Elena Fort, Juli Guiu, Josep Cubells and Josep Maria Albert accompanied Joan. Towards the end Ronald Koeman joined them. He was joking with the directors, and later headed with them to Seville airport. They took in the taste of this cup. Who knows if it’s the first of many together.
