FC Barcelona is experiencing a complicated preseason. The cancellation of the tour in Japan, the refusal to use Camp Nou for the Gamper, and the loss of signings like Nico Williams are leaving an image of chaos. Tomás Roncero, a well-known journalist and contributor to El Chiringuito, hasn't taken long to express his opinion with his direct and forceful style.
A tour that wasn't
Barça had planned to travel to Japan on July 24 to face Vissel Kobe on Sunday. After that, the idea was to continue the tour in South Korea with matches against FC Seoul and Daegu FC. The "blaugrana Tour - Asia Edition" was going to bring in between €15 million and €25 million, a key income for the club.
But just hours before departure, the club announced the cancellation of the trip. The reason: a contractual breach by the promoter D-Drive, the company in charge of organizing the tour. This unexpected blow caused many criticisms on social media, where fans showed their frustration and surprise.
Tomás Roncero: "Barça is the comedy club"
Journalist Tomás Roncero didn't take long to speak out. On his X account (formerly Twitter), he posted a phrase that has sparked much discussion:
"Nico Williams rejection 2.0, the Neverland Camp Nou, Japan Tour down the drain... Definitely, Barça is the Comedy Club."
With this irony, Roncero summed up what he considers a series of mistakes and disappointments for the blaugrana club.
First, the refusal of young Nico Williams to sign for Barça, despite years of rumors. Then, the frustration with Camp Nou, which won't be ready for the Gamper due to licensing issues.
The cancellation of the tour in Asia left the schedule hanging in the air and raised doubts about the management.
Camp Nou remains an enigma
Barça's return to its stadium was one of the great hopes of the season. After two years of construction, the club planned for the Joan Gamper Trophy to be the grand post-renovation opening. However, the refusal of Barcelona City Council to grant the usage license has forced that return to be postponed.
This means Barça will have to start the official season playing away from home and continue with construction throughout August. Another blow that adds to the sense of uncertainty the club is experiencing.