The significant, albeit unofficial, influence of Alejandro Echevarria at Barcelona has recently drawn intense scrutiny, particularly after former player and manager Xavi Hernandez publicly questioned his position. Echevarria, previously Joan Laporta’s brother-in-law, holds no official role at the club but has maintained a consistent presence during both of Laporta’s presidential tenures, even after resigning from his board in 2005.
Echevarria’s departure from Laporta’s board in 2005 followed revelations of his patronage of the Francisco Franco Foundation, an organization that glorifies the Spanish dictator responsible for widespread atrocities. Xavi, in a recent statement, alleged that Echevarria, not Laporta, was the true power broker at Barcelona and orchestrator of Xavi’s dismissal. Conversely, Laporta has consistently defended Echevarria, asserting his vital role within the club.
Echevarria at the Heart of Injury Crisis Conflict
In recent weeks, Barcelona’s persistent injury problems have become a significant concern, highlighted by Hansi Flick’s public frustration after witnessing three hamstring injuries within a single week. Subsequent reports revealed that multiple players had expressed dissatisfaction with the club’s fitness staff throughout the season, even requesting changes due to worries about inadequate medical and recovery support.
Diari Ara now reports that Echevarria was behind key changes in the club’s medical setup. According to their findings, it was Laporta’s unofficial advisor who brought in fitness coaches Julio Tous and Raul Martinez two summers ago. Last summer, Echevarria reportedly expanded their responsibilities to include player injury recovery. This decision has reportedly led to widespread distrust among the playing staff, with several players advocating for these duties to revert to the club doctors. Examples such as Raphinha’s recurrent injuries, Gavi’s prolonged recovery, and Pedri’s ongoing fitness struggles this season are cited as causes for this concern.
Barcelona Players Have Pseudonym for Echevarria
Furthermore, reports indicate that Echevarria has confronted staff members who conveyed player complaints about Tous to him. Consequently, players not aligned with Echevarria have reportedly devised a pseudonym for him, allowing them to discuss his influence without being overheard by other club personnel.
This practice echoes reports from two summers ago, when players reportedly referred to Echevarria as ‘Villarejo,’ a discreet reference to Jose Manuel Villarejo, the former Spanish spy and whistleblower, highlighting Echevarria’s perceived clandestine influence.
