Joan Laporta Backs Barcelona After El Clásico Defeat to Real Madrid and Maintains Faith in Hansi Flick
Barcelona’s El Clásico defeat raised questions and put the spotlight on Hansi Flick. From London, Joan Laporta addressed the setback and delivered a message that could shape the team’s direction.
The 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid left FC Barcelona with several questions to address. Hansi Flick’s side failed to impose its style in one of the most demanding matches of the season, reigniting the debate over the team’s performance.
Speaking in London during the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony, Barcelona president Joan Laporta addressed the setback and acknowledged its impact on the club and its supporters. His comments, reported by Spanish outlets such as Marca and Mundo Deportivo, made it clear that the defeat had not gone unnoticed by the club’s leadership.
Laporta Insists Barcelona’s Ambitions Remain Intact
Despite the setback, Laporta insisted that Barcelona’s expectations for the season remain intact. The president acknowledged that the team was unable to play its usual game but emphasized that the club is still competing for its objectives and urged everyone to view the campaign as a marathon rather than a sprint.
He also believes the squad’s youth will help the players recover mentally. Laporta’s message is to learn from mistakes and prevent a defeat against their biggest rivals from defining the rest of the season. In his view, the El Clásico loss should serve as a lesson, not a verdict on the project.
Hansi Flick Receives the Barcelona President’s Backing
Laporta also defended Hansi Flick, whom he considers the ideal manager for Barcelona. He explained that the German coach was chosen because of his understanding of the club’s identity and his ability to combine it with a more direct and aggressive style of play.
LaLiga and the Champions League Remain Barcelona’s Targets
Winning LaLiga and competing for the Champions League remain among Barcelona’s top priorities. Laporta remains confident that the team can challenge for both titles and believes the setback against Real Madrid should not overshadow the work done throughout the season.
The immediate challenge will be to turn that backing into a response on the pitch. With Laporta’s support, Flick must now address the mistakes made in El Clásico and find solutions that allow the team to maintain its identity while giving opponents fewer opportunities.
