Even though what he says now may have little bearing on what the club might do in the future, especially if his chosen continuity candidate fails to win the next presidency, the out-going Barcelona President Joan Laporta was asked by French magazine Le Journal du Dimanche what he thinks about a couple of players’ and a French coach’s chances of joining the Catalan club.

In the interview, Laporta was asked about two players that have consistently been linked to the European champions by the media, Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery (26) and Girondins de Bordeaux’s Yoann Gourcuff (23).

About Ribery, the President acknowledged that “for the time being there is no negotiation going on. He is one of the best in his position. Our technical director will decide if we want him or not at the end of the season. We did try to sign him last year but Bayern wouldn’t sell and we don’t want to push them.”

As for the Girondins’ player, Laporta said, “I know about him, and he is very good. He is one of Laurent Blanc’s players, is he not? But then, out of respect for his club I won’t say much more.”

Earlier in the session, the Catalan club’s highest ranking official reminisced on how a comparatively young and inexperienced Pep Guardiola came to be chosen as first-team coach:  “It was the easiest decision of my presidency. I’ll admit one thing: I offered the job to Johan Cruyff, my idol and friend, but he told me that Pep was ready, and that was good enough for me. Pep had showed he has the character, and a loyalty to our footballing philosophy during his year as coach of Barca B. We knew he is a hard worker, had the talent and has within him the Barca DNA. He embodies, understands and is able to convey our philosophy.”

Asked if he has already surpassed the achievements of Johan Cruyff, who attained the status of a legend, Laporta said “to become a legend one should demonstrate one’s talent for an extended period of time. The team he presently coached has a great future ahead of them. Balanced, talented, hard working and very determined, they may become the best team in the history of football.”

“However, for us, victory is not the only objective as the trophies are only meant for the museum. But our philosophy must be understood at all time.”

At that point, the reporter asked if he thinks Laurent Blanc, the current Bordeaux coach – himself a former Barcelona player (1996-97) – has the qualities to coach the Barcelona team, and Laporta’s reply was, “I like him a lot. I like his personality, the way he analyses the game, and for his innate ability to identify player’s talent. I do hope Guardiola can be Barca coach at least for another two or three years, and after that maybe Laurent Blanc can be one of the candidates for his replacement.”

“But then if Barca is to face Girondins in the final of the Champions League, don’t expect me to say the same!”