“Unless we do what we are trying, Barca has the risk of becoming a new Milan or a Manchester United.”
Milan, traditionally one of the world’s most successful clubs with 18 Serie A titles and seven victories in the European Cup and Champions League, have recently struggled to even qualify for continental competitions amid years of financial insecurity, poor recruitment and changes of ownership and management.
They last won Serie A in 2011, their most recent Champions League title was in 2007, and they have not played in the top UEFA competition since 2014.
Manchester United meanwhile have not won the Premier League since the 2012-13 season, the last campaign with Sir Alex Ferguson in charge. Their most recent Champions League crown came in 2008.
Part of Barcelona’s problem is persuading star players like Messi to remain loyal to the club. The Argentina forward, whose contract expires in 2021, spoke of his displeasure at the team’s performances this season after losing to Osasuna on Thursday night to hand the league title to rivals Real.
Font said of Messi: “He is unhappy and doubting what to do next. He is probably a bit frustrated as year after year he is not able to win, especially the Champions League. That’s where the focus needs to be.
“We want to ensure he understands if we were to run the club from next summer onwards, we would put all the conditions to equip him in the best possible way so the last years of his career here he can still aspire to win a couple of Champions Leagues.”
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