Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Benedito: "I don't plan to announce transfers"

Barcelona presidential candidate Agustí Benedito gave an interview to Catalan regional newspaper Diari de Tarragona.


Can you explain some of your proposals?
There are some key concepts like transparency in dealing with the club members, honesty in the management, and representation of the members. In all these aspects, Laporta deserves a fail. I am also very concerned about the assets policy.

With whom has Agustí Benedito surrounded himself to tackle this adventure?
We have a campaign team of 214 people who are working for five months on this project. As for the board, it's not yet the right time to disclose any names, but they all have the profile of the average entrepreneur, Catalan, not first generation and people closely linked with the society.

What weight will Tarragona have in your candidacy?
Until today, I have been able to meet with 1.500 members. I came to Tarragona several times and will return many times. During these visits, I have discovered that Barça, besides being an enhancer element, can also be a limiting factor. I speak about the football team and the other sections.

It's very difficult to change this image...
I actually think that it is very simple. It's a matter of being convinced of finding a solution, to look for collaboration and positive elements. It will be simple. I'm sure.

Outside of Catalonia, it seems to be difficult to be a Barça fan.
The Catalan character of Barça is part of the very essence of Barça. No one can want to reduce this distinguishing feature. But doing politics from the presidency is a serious mistake and betrays the founding spirit of the club. Outside of Catalonia, the attitude of Laporta has caused hatred against Barça. But I don't think that is only the case outside of Catalonia. These days I have also noticed a great and generalized feeling of fiscomfort inside Catalonia.

Will you make a deal with someone?
The conviction that our program is the best and that we are an alternative are two reasons that make a deal impossible. We'll get to the end.

Do you have a star signing in the pipeline?
I find it very difficult to make concrete proposals without first talking to Guardiola. I do not intend to give any names. The issue should be discussed with the coach.

this was the second and last part of this interview. you can read the first part here.

Read more:
Benedito starts second phase of campaign
Benedito: "We want to repeat the historical results"
Probable new director helping Benedito campaign