2014 has been difficult for Barcelona - Bartomeu

Forum 9 years ago

2014 has been difficult for Barcelona - Bartomeu

The club's president admits the last 12 months have been testing ones for all involved at the club

Josep Bartomeu says he will be glad to wave goodbye to 2014 but remains optimistic the next 12 months will hold more prosperous times for Barcelona.

The Camp Nou president replaced Sandro Rosell in January after his predecessor was embroiled in a court case over payments made to Neymar's father during the purchase of the Brazil star in the summer of 2013.

The club's star man Lionel Messi has also been charged with tax evasion by Spanish authorities, while the Blaugrana ended last season trophy-less and dispensed with the services of coach Gerardo Martino.

Tito Vilanova, who won La Liga during his sole season in charge of Barca in 2012/13 before undergoing treatment for cancer, also passed away, in what has been a miserable year for the Catalans.

But Bartomeu has attempted to stay upbeat and is confident 2015 can be a successful one for everyone involved at the club.

"The year of 2014 has been a very difficult one. For 2015, we hope it will be a magnificent year and Christmas time brings hope of a new start.

"For 2015 we have great enthusiasm and confidence in the club and Luis Enrique."

Enrique, 44, replaced Martino as Barcelona coach over the summer having previously taken charge of the club's 'B' side, Roma and Celta Vigo.

He has made a mixed start to his reign, guiding the club to the knockout stages of the Champions League, where they will face Manchester City in the last-16, but falling four points behind leaders Real Madrid in La Liga.