Joan Laporta discusses Alejandro Echevarría’s role at Barcelona after Xavi’s criticism

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has broken his silence on the influence of Alejandro Echevarría after former head coach Xavi Hernández accused the little-known advisor of orchestrating his dismissal and effectively running the club.

In an incendiary interview released this week, Xavi claimed that Echevarría, described internally as a presidential confidant rather than an employee, wielded ultimate authority over football decisions. “He dismissed me as coach,” Xavi alleged, insisting that Laporta misled him about the reasons for his exit. The 44-year-old also accused Echevarría of undermining him in the dressing room by informing players—including Sergi Roberto, Ronald Araújo, Pedri and Raphinha—that the coach wanted them sold.

Laporta moved to clarify Echevarría’s status, stressing that the long-time club member holds no formal position or salary. “There’s no need for him to have the status of employee or director; he has his own job, he’s on leave, the club doesn’t incur any expenses related to him, the president authorizes it, and he’s a trusted person,” the president explained. “We’re not sectarian; he’s been a member for 25 years, he has the silver badge, he does a good job, he’s efficient, and I can rely on him. I’m very satisfied with the work he’s doing.”

The public rift between Laporta and the club legend has cast a shadow over an otherwise optimistic mood at Camp Nou ahead of the summer transfer window, with the board now forced to defend its internal hierarchy as well as its football strategy.

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