According to the Spanish newspaper “Mundo Deportivo”, Victor Font (53 years old) launched his election campaign on Monday through the presentation event of the “Nostraltres” group, which includes supporters from all backgrounds, with the aim of bringing together members dissatisfied with the current management style.
Font affirmed that “if he wins the elections, the first thing he will do is contact Lionel Messi,” stressing that he will leave the decision to the Argentine star regarding the possibility of ending his football career wearing the Barça shirt.
Font said: “The idea stemmed from the desire to present a real alternative to the current approach to club management. We believe that Barcelona belongs to everyone, and that we must move from an individual and presidential style of governance that does not pay attention to different opinions and relies on improvisation, to a completely different model. Barcelona is a multi-faceted and complex club that combines economic, sports and social aspects, and what we did on Monday is only the beginning. And when the elections come in the coming months, members will be able to choose between the “I” model or a pluralistic alternative that develops the club and makes it more professional and inclusive.”
He added: “The idea started “since losing the elections, where I followed the situation of the club and its needs. Hence the need arose to formulate a project that inspires Barcelona fans, and at the same time reflects the diverse reality of the club, and presents an alternative that precedes the current way of management. And I think it is very necessary.”
He continued: “The leadership will be collective.. I believe that leadership today must be shared. The work must be a team effort, because a club like Barcelona needs diverse expertise in football, other sports, and the economic and social aspect. And my role as a leader is to coordinate and create the conditions for the best specialists in each field to work for the benefit of the club. When Barcelona belongs to everyone, it is an unstoppable club, but if it becomes the monopoly of one person, we lose a lot.”
Regarding communication with other candidates who have announced their intention to run, such as Joan Camprobí and Marc Ciria? Font said: “No, we are working on forming an alternative that includes Barcelonians, and everyone is welcome because it is a comprehensive project that brings together all trends.. What we are looking for is competence and people who share the vision of the club and are willing to give.”
Regarding his requirement that the group leader be the second most voted candidate in the last elections? He explained: “No, not because of past results. It evolved naturally, we started communicating with prominent businessmen, social groups linked to FC Barcelona, the supporters’ movement, and executives in the world of sports, and we presented our vision to see if this type of leadership, in my case, could be suitable. It was not an imposition, but a natural choice for those who have the willingness, ability and dedication. And since the summer I have been working on this project 100%.”
He added: “The club’s management style must change. The “I” model relies on improvisation and personal decisions. The latest example was the stadium, which we will return to on Saturday, but it was an example of improvisation. Relying on a narrow circle of close associates, not listening, the absence of planning, and the deterioration of the relationship with club icons such as Messi, Xavi, Saras, Prufitt and Víctor Tomás… is illogical, as these are part of the club’s history and symbol.”
Font was asked, “In the last elections, you trusted some people who left your project at the last minute. Isn’t it important to rely on people you trust?”.. He answered: “Trust is essential, of course, but trust must be built on a shared vision and clear goals, not just on old friendship. The “I” model is based on bringing together friends and family, while we are looking for competence and a shared vision.”
He continued: “The most prominent lesson I learned from the previous elections is that the work must first be directed towards winning the elections, not just to prepare for governance. In 2021, we prepared a comprehensive plan to manage the club, but that is not enough to win. Elections are won through inspiration and promises that affect the intention to vote. And since we have completed the administrative aspect, the focus now is on winning.”
He added: “I think like many Barcelona fans that signing names like Haaland and Julian Álvarez is exciting. But these decisions are the responsibility of the sports management that we are building, and must be planned carefully. We need a new striker without a doubt, but we also have a good young base, the signing of Joan Garcia and several other talents.”
Font was asked, “You have a good relationship with Manchester City, does this facilitate the Haaland option?”.. He answered: “We have to work in all directions. I have good relationships in the world of football, and this helps, but it does not depend on me alone, our project is collective and benefits from everyone’s relationships, and this is a fundamental difference between the “I” model and the “we” model.”
He continued: “Xavi loves the club but has no intention of returning to work in it. What must be done is to provide the conditions so that this golden generation can serve the club when needed: Iniesta, Puyol, Busquets and others.”
He elaborated: “We must embrace Lionel Messi and do everything necessary for him to get the role he wants to play in the club, which pleases all Barça fans. Just a statue is not enough.”
He concluded: “Personally, as a Barcelona fan, just thinking about Messi’s return gives me goosebumps. But it is up to him. What should not be done is to exploit him politically as Laporta did, especially during the elections. Messi must know that the first call I make immediately after winning will be to him.. It is our duty to talk to everyone who can contribute to the future of the club, but most importantly, we must realize that these are symbols of the club, and should not be exploited. However, the first call after winning will be with Leo.”
