The Catalan club deals with a drop out of a 2019-20 trophy campaign that finished in a crushing 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.
Barca’s problems are not good for Real Madrid
According to the former Spanish champion’s president Ramon Calderon, Barcelona’s problems on and off the pitch cannot be favorable for bitter rivals Real Madrid. The Catalan club deals with a drop out of a 2019-20 trophy campaign that finished in a crushing 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. Quique Setien has already been replaced as manager by Ronald Koeman. Ramon Planes has been promoted to take over from Eric Abidal as a technical secretary for the first team. Barça were then rocked on Tuesday after the all-time top scorer and icon of the club, Lionel Messi, informed them of his intention to leave, with several others also expected to move on. However, Calderón insists that the turmoil at Camp Nou could negatively affect Madrid more broadly and hopes that Barça will soon return to their best.
A compete between Barca and Real Madrid prompted them to improve themselves
“It is crucial to have a team like Barcelona in our league and for Real Madrid to have a rival as well,” he told reporters. “It makes both teams better and it used to happen with Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi. The fact that both were on these teams made them the best players. It prompted them to improve themselves and win more trophies to beat the other. It’s the same with Real Madrid and Barcelona. The clubs are always in competition. It is what needs to happen between the two clubs.” Calderon, who was president of Real Madrid from 2006 to 2009, added: “This time is not suitable for Barcelona, it is clear. So, what is not ideal for the opponent is, in theory, right for the other – but I wouldn’t say I like it. I never liked it when this happens to any team.
“I’ve always said that Barcelona are a huge team. They are not the enemy. I have always had a great friendship with the presidents and the board of directors I met. It is clear that Barcelona are in a difficult time, but I hope they will overcome it. It’s not good to have such a big team in a situation like this, and I’m sure they will overcome the situation. Even if it’s good for Real Madrid in some ways, I don’t like it. I wish them to fix that and continue to bring glory to Spanish football. I wish them to continue to compete and win titles when they are not facing Real Madrid.”