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Bayern Munich’s Julian Nagelsmann has no problem with being accused of “ignorance” by Joan Laporta as the Barcelona president “has to represent his club.”
Nagelsmann questioned Barca’s spending spree after they signed Robert Lewandowski from Bayern this month for a fee that could rise to €50million.
Barca had to let Lionel Messi leave a year ago due to their financial crisis, but they have also signed Raphinha and Jules Kounde for big fees ahead of the 2022-23 season, while bringing in Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie on free transfers.
Bayern head coach Nagelsmann stated that Barca are “the only club in the world that can buy players without money” after Lewandowski’s switch to Spain.
Laporta responded by stating that Nagelsmann was being ignorant, adding that rival clubs should mind their own business.
Questioned about Laporta’s comments ahead of Bayern’s DFL-Supercup showdown with RB Leipzig, Nagelsmann told reporters: “It’s good that he expresses himself, I would do that too.
“It was just a question from a fan point of view. I have no problem with Laporta speaking out, he has to represent his club.”
Tottenham boss Antonio Conte also recently suggested Nagelsmann had been “disrespectful” by expressing his admiration for Harry Kane amid reports the Bundesliga champions could make a move for the England captain.
Nagelsmann says he has a good relationship with Conte, however, as he defended himself for giving honest answers.
He said: “I’ll always give my opinion in the future. I don’t write down all my answers before the press conference.
“It’s coming spontaneously, that’s maybe not always the smartest thing. I don’t have a problem with Conte or Laporta responding back, that’s part of the game.
“It wasn’t a dramatic statement, I have a good relationship with Conte.”
