I Understand What Calderón Is Going Through - Laporta

Joan Laporta has been in talkative mood ahead of El Clásico this weekend and the Barcelona president took some time out today to reflect on events in the capital of Spain.

Real Madrid have come under increasing scrutiny lately following two consecutive defeats in the league and have sacked Bernd Schuster just this Tuesday. The president, Ramón Calderón, has also come under pressure, but speaking today, Laporta said he understands what he is going through.

"If you have desire, then you always want to continue running a company," he told Sport.es.

"One must resist pressure and to realise ambition. You cannot always win and when things do not go well, it can get unpleasant. I understand the suffering of Calderón."

Barcelona are undoubtedly the in-form side as they take on Real Madrid this weekend but Laporta does not think that their success has anything to do with the dismissal of Schuster.

"[Pep] Guardiola has not got Schuster sacked," he declared.

"This great form is thanks to Guardiola, who coaches the team well, it was a wise decision [to appointment him].

"Schuster is gone because the board of directors and the president of Madrid think that it is best for the club."

Laporta himself has come under some pressure during his time in charge of Barcelona, but today he said that he has never had any intentions of quitting.

"What happened is in the past, it has no place anymore. They are reactions that cannot be taken out of context, it is important to make up for mistakes," he mused.

"Never, not at any time [did I think about leaving]. I was nearly a dead man, because they shot to kill, and a few had desires for me, but I am not spiteful or resentful. It has passed and the situation has changed...We had the belief that we could change it."

He also looked ahead to the clash this weekend, saying it is the 'best sports spectacle that can be seen in the world' before talking about his memories.

"I prefer to think of the 0-3 and the ovation in the Bernabéu, the three goals of Ronaldinho. In football it is better not to think about the past though, but about this season," he opined.

James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com



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