Josep Maria Bartomeu gives speech at Barça's Christmas lunch

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has reaffirmed his support for the coach, Luis Enrique Martinez, before the annual Christmas lunch.

The Blaugrana chief addressed journalists during the traditional event held in the "Sala Roma 2009" lounge at the Camp Nou. 

Bartomeu said: "We maintain our enthusiasm and we are fully confident in Luis Enrique to progress with his sports project." 

Speaking in Catalan, he briefly summarised the events of 2014m admitting that it was a "difficult, complex year" due to problems like Neymar's contract. 

Barcelona's president said_ "Lots of things happened, but we fought in a secure and open manner, presenting maximum information so that everyone knew what was happening." 

The Barcelona president joked that while the year was tough, the journalists present could not complain because they "had a lot to talk about". 

POSITIVITY

Bartomeu said that 2014 was very important because of the referendum in April, when the future of Barcelona for the next 50, 60 or 70 years had been decided, relating to the Espai Barca project - developing Camp Nou and the surrounding area.

As for 2015, the president said: "It's an important year, transcendental, in which there will be much to decide, but a year with great hope." 

AGAINST VIOLENCE

Bartomeu also mentioned La Liga and Barcelona's fight against violence, a sensitive issue after someone in the Mossos d'Esquadra questioned the security policy of the club.

"It will be an important year to continue working against violence and to eradicate it," he said. 

"We have zero tolerance, we're not going to lower our guard and if there is more to do, we will do it."