Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu has confirmed contact has been made with Johan Cruyff to improve his relationship with the club.
Marca quotes Bartomeu as saying Barca have reached out to Cruyff’s confidants in an effort to end the bad feeling between the legendary player and Coach and Barca.
“We have contacted people close to Cruyff and we continue talking,” Bartomeu said.
“He is a prominent figure and hopefully things will return to normal.”
Bartomeu replaced Sandro Rosell as President and it was with Rosell that Cruyff fell out, the Dutchman having his title of honorary President removed.
The President also confirmed his desire to renew the contract of Coach Tata Martino, and that of Lionel Messi.
“[Martino] is doing a great job and has a contract until 2015.
“If everything continues as it is so far, it’s obvious that we’re happy and we’ll talk.
“We’re at a decisive stage of the championship now and that’s where we have to focus.
“But I insist that Messi is the best player in the world and should be paid like the best player in the world.”
Bartomeu added that in his opinion, the reasons for Camp Nou being somewhat sparsely attended in recent games are simple.
“I encourage fans and members to come to Camp Nou,” he said.
“But the schedule and the weather are to blame.
“I hope to resolve the problem with the weather with the renovation of Camp Nou but regarding schedules, all teams want to play at the best time.
“Sometimes you can and sometimes you can’t.”
Bartomeu was also asked about refereeing after a debate over the standards of officiating erupted in recent weeks.
“They are people, like us,” Bartomeu said.
“They get things wrong like everyone else. It’s very difficult to be a football referee.
“We have the utmost respect for referees and as we respect them, we expect them to respect us. And we need to help them.”
