Rafa Yuste’s first words as interim Barcelona president: ‘The goal is to maintain the course set so far’

Barcelona entered a new administrative era on Monday evening when Rafa Yuste stepped into the role of interim president following Joan Laporta’s resignation to contest forthcoming club elections. The former sporting vice-president made his first public appearance in the new capacity at the inaugural La Nit de la Ràdio gala, organised by Cadena SER, and used the platform to outline a message of continuity.

“The goal is to maintain the course set so far,” Yuste told attendees. “We want to bring the greatest joy to the Barça members.” The brief statement underscored a desire for stability during a transition period that will last until members return to the polls.

Yuste, photographed flanked by club dignitaries, sidestepped any temptation to be drawn into the latest barbs from Real Madrid camp. Asked about comments from Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa referencing the ongoing Negreira case, the interim president replied: “Focused on Barça and listening to the people who are key figures at our club, in this case, within the sporting department, and offering my full support to Flick, his staff, Deco, and Bojan, and nothing else. I have nothing to say about Madrid or any other team.”

Looking ahead to Thursday’s trip to the capital for the Champions League clash, Yuste refused to gaze too far into the distance. “What I’m imagining now is going to Madrid on Thursday and playing a great match. And as Flick says, taking it one step at a time.”

With elections on the horizon, Yuste’s interim mandate is clear: steady the ship, back the current sporting structure, and keep the focus firmly on performances on the pitch.