Laporta Wants "Renovation", But Insists On Ronaldinho, Eto'o Stay
Barcelona president Joan Laporta is keen to turn the current title loss around immediately by plugging the holes in the team.
A rather up and down season finally ended trophy-less for Barcelona, bringing them crashing down after the La Liga and Champions League double last season.
President Joan Laporta pointed towards a renovation, but was quick to insist that decisions would be taken with a cool head.
"The important thing is to renew our commitment, desire, and professionalism," he told TV3.
"However this group has given us years of glory, and it is important that decisions are taken in a calmer atmosphere."
The obvious question was regarding the futures of Samuel Eto'o and Ronaldinho, both of whom have been linked extensively with a move away.
"They are both players who set the standards for this team, and we want them to continue," Laporta responded.
He also refused to be drawn on the prospect of landing Thierry Henry: "The team neads a renovation. We will speak of names when the time comes.
"What we want is to create the most competitive team possible, with lots of desire and commitment.
"We must put together the pieces of the jigsaw; we must rebuild the machine. And yes, under Rijkaard! That is our desire."
It is understood that Thierry Henry, Christian Chivu, Yaya Toure, and Eric Abidal are the four players at the top of Barcelona's list.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta is keen to turn the current title loss around immediately by plugging the holes in the team.
A rather up and down season finally ended trophy-less for Barcelona, bringing them crashing down after the La Liga and Champions League double last season.
President Joan Laporta pointed towards a renovation, but was quick to insist that decisions would be taken with a cool head.
"The important thing is to renew our commitment, desire, and professionalism," he told TV3.
"However this group has given us years of glory, and it is important that decisions are taken in a calmer atmosphere."
The obvious question was regarding the futures of Samuel Eto'o and Ronaldinho, both of whom have been linked extensively with a move away.
"They are both players who set the standards for this team, and we want them to continue," Laporta responded.
He also refused to be drawn on the prospect of landing Thierry Henry: "The team neads a renovation. We will speak of names when the time comes.
"What we want is to create the most competitive team possible, with lots of desire and commitment.
"We must put together the pieces of the jigsaw; we must rebuild the machine. And yes, under Rijkaard! That is our desire."
It is understood that Thierry Henry, Christian Chivu, Yaya Toure, and Eric Abidal are the four players at the top of Barcelona's list.
