Barcelona dressing room frustrated with club over transfer pursuit, recently demanded explanations

Problems are something that Barcelona president Joan Laporta has no shortage of, but there are both dissatisfaction within the club and criticism within the club. As players admit that Dani Olmo and Pau Victor's registration drama has been far from ideal, their frustration matches a trail of reports.

According to Relevo, while Alejandro Balde and Lamine Yamal tried to convince Nico Williams to leave Athletic Club for Barcelona this summer, a section of the dressing room was unhappy with the club's attempts to sign the Basque winger. Other players have been promised contract extensions and were not yet properly registered, only to see their club go for Williams and then spend €55 million on Dani Olmo.

It wouldn't be a surprise if Raphinha were among that group. The Brazilian has expressed his dissatisfaction with the social media abuse he received when Barcelona pursued Williams, and spoke about Olmo and Victor's situation, noting that it would make him think twice about joining the club if he were somewhere else. Shortly after these statements to the press, Laporta was seen talking to Raphinha as Barcelona went to train. However, MD said that Laporta was not aware of the Brazilian's words at the time.

The clear line of disappointment among the players was visible in their press duties, but was also visible in private. According to Sport, Laporta had left it to Hansi Flick to explain the situation Olmo and Victor found themselves in, a task that Flick carried out. However, after speaking to the team, the players demanded that Laporta himself come and explain the matter. He duly did so, detailing their legal challenge in a way that the visibly stricken Olmo and Victor appreciated.

Laporta has seen increasing criticism in the Catalan capital, with talk of a possible vote of no confidence against him. Ultimately, however, his survival depends on the team's results on the field, and to achieve that, motivated players are needed. As is the case for any boss, straining relationships with key employees requires careful handling.