Laporta clarifies his remarks on Messi and Iniesta's potential Barcelona return
In recent comments, Joan Laporta didn't rule out the return of Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta, but the Barcelona president appeared in a new interview to clarify his remarks on the former Blaugrana players.
Laporta believes that both players could return to the club to undertake new coaching or director roles in the future, but is not confident that they could feature as players again.
"Before a press conference where there are many questions, there comes a time..." Laporta told El Larguero.
"The question they asked me is whether these two players will return to Barcelona, if we will see them again at the club. They themselves have always said that they would like to return to Barcelona.
"I am not talking [about them returning] as players, but as coaches. In addition, each of them has spoken in this regard publicly. Therefore, it can't be ruled out that they will return to Barcelona.
"Returning as players? At the moment, it does not seem like that it can be done because each of them has a contract in force and my answer was more in the sense that they would surely return to Barcelona with another role, but hey, you never know."
Laporta went on to reveal that Pedri didn't suffer an injury relapse as has been reported, but made clear that the club are not willing to rush the youngster's return to action.
"Well, more than a relapse, he is following his recovery process," noted Laporta.
"It is not a relapse. From the club we consider that he should not be rushed back. They have explained to me what he has in the muscle and it seems that it is horizontal, let's say the tear, if it is a tear, I don't know, the tear or detachment of the muscle is horizontal and it seems that this needs more caution.
"That's what they have told me. I think it makes sense and the player is evolving well, but you don't want to force it because these injuries require patience and the necessary recovery time."
Barcelona host Espanyol in the Catalan derby that is scheduled to take place at the Camp on Saturday at 21:00 CET and Laporta believes that the Blaugrana will come out victorious from this duel.
"I am optimistic and I think we will win," Laporta added.
"We would like a big result for all the Catalans, but tomorrow we have to win, play a good game and start this new stage, with Xavi as coach."
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