Joan Laporta described Barça's defeat against Real Madrid in the clásico as “un palo duro” after speaking to Movistar + before the Ballon d'Or gala in París. The Barça president said the loss was painful, but he also stressed that the team is still in a strong position in La Liga and can quickly move on with another league match this weekend.
“Ayer fue un palo duro,” Laporta said, adding that he hoped the players recovered quickly. He said Hansi Flick made “a great reading” of what happened, and pointed to Real Madrid's dangerous counterattack as one reason Barça could not play its usual game.
Laporta also said Barça remains first in La Liga and wants to beat Alavés this weekend. That matters because the club has won La Liga for two years and still has bigger ambitions this season, with the Champions clearly in sight.
Laporta backs Hansi Flick
One of Laporta's clearest messages was support for Hansi Flick. He called him “the ideal coach for Barça” and said the German understands the club's way of playing. Laporta said the choice was based on that shared football idea, one linked to Cruyff and to Barça's broader identity.
He also acknowledged that Flick prefers a more vertical style, but said the results are there. That combination of tactical clarity and immediate results helps explain why Barça continues to trust the coach even after a difficult night in the clásico.
If you want the broader financial backdrop around the club, El-Balad.com has also covered Joan Laporta absent as Fc Barcelona closes record revenue year near 1,100 million euros.
Lamine Yamal and the Ballon d'Or race
Laporta also made a strong case for Lamine Yamal in the Ballon d'Or conversation. He said Yamal deserves the award and suggested that, among the three names being discussed, the Barça forward stands out for individual talent and what he has already won.
“Lamine se merece el Balón de Oro,” Laporta said, while adding that the player is very excited and that it would hurt the club if he did not win. Still, Laporta admitted there is uncertainty around the result and said there is mystery about what will happen in París.
Beyond the individual award talk, Laporta said Barça believes “something” will be won and that the club is the one with the most nominees. He also noted that the Negreira case continues its judicial course, but the immediate focus remains on the season ahead, the title race and the Champions.
