Laporta on Clásico: "It was a hard blow"

Laporta acknowledged the Clásico defeat as a setback but stressed Barcelona remain top of the table and their title ambitions remain intact.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta spoke before the Ballon d'Or ceremony to reflect on Sunday's Clásico loss to Real Madrid. He acknowledged it was a difficult result for the club's supporters but defended the team's position, noting they were unable to deploy their usual style of play against Madrid's potent counter-attack. "We remain first and this is a long race," Laporta said, emphasizing that Barcelona's expectations for the season remain unchanged.

Laporta also praised manager Hansi Flick, describing him as the ideal fit for Barcelona. "He knows our system and is a fan of Cruyff," the president explained. "He likes vertical play and we're loving it. The results speak for themselves." Laporta outlined the club's ambitions to win La Liga and, with humility, pursue the Champions League, which has eluded them in recent years. He highlighted Flick's understanding of Barcelona's philosophy—possession, positioning and pressing—and noted the team's use of the offside trap, which yields results despite occasionally causing anxiety.

Before the Ballon d'Or outcome was announced, Laporta defended Lamine Yamal's candidacy for the award, arguing the young Barcelona talent deserved recognition based on his performances and achievements.