Joan Laporta sidesteps Real Madrid row as Barcelona target Champions League glory

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has identified the UEFA Champions League as the club’s main objective this season, while praising Lamine Yamal’s Ballon d’Or candidacy ahead of the meeting with Feyenoord.

Barcelona host Feyenoord at Camp Nou tonight in the opening match of both teams’ Champions League campaigns. Before the game, officials from the two clubs attended the traditional directors’ lunch, held in a notably friendly atmosphere.

Laporta led Barcelona’s delegation to the restaurant, a regular venue for the pre-Champions League lunch. Vice-president Rafa Yuste was also present, alongside board members Josep Ignasi Macia, Miguel Camps, Carles Ayats and Jaume Santiveri. A representative of UEFA attended as well.

Feyenoord were also well represented at the gathering, where Laporta discussed a range of subjects with the Dutch club’s officials. His comments were reported by Mundo Deportivo.

The Barcelona president said the club wanted to retain the league title for a third successive season, win the Copa del Rey and lift the Spanish Super Cup. However, he made clear that European success was the priority.

“Our goal is to win the league for the third consecutive time, which would be an exceptional achievement,” Laporta said. “Our goal is also to win the cup, which would be wonderful. We want to win the Super Cup to confirm our credentials midway through the season and show that we are here to compete for the league title.

“And, of course, this year we are aiming to win the Champions League. If you ask me about the main objective, my answer is yes: it is the Champions League.”

Laporta backs Barcelona’s Ballon d’Or contenders

Laporta also expressed pride in the number of Barcelona players, coaches and representatives connected with the club who had received Ballon d’Or nominations.

“Barcelona is a unique club in the world, and these nominations for our players, coaches and the club as a whole are proof of that,” he said. “We are extremely proud. Barcelona’s players should be grateful to the club for everything it gives them.

“Barcelona’s players are my favourites. I would be extremely happy if a Barcelona player won.”

Among those contenders is Yamal, who enjoyed an outstanding season with Barcelona and the Spain national team. Laporta described the teenager as a standout talent and said his nomination was fully deserved.

“He is an incredible player,” Laporta said. “He has exceptional talent; he is a genius, and I believe his nomination for the Ballon d’Or is thoroughly deserved. He has remarkable talent and maturity for his age. He is a leader.”

Laporta also referred to Gavi, saying he felt sorry that the midfielder had not received the same recognition, while mentioning Pedri and Raphinha as other Barcelona players he believed deserved nominations.

“I will also say something else: I feel sorry for some players who could also have been leaders, such as Gavi, for example, who has an impressive record of achievements,” he said. “That is a decision for the players and Hansi Flick, and I believe it is absolutely the right decision.

“I feel sorry when we talk about the nominations and do not find Pedri and Raphinha among the nominees. I believe they also deserved a Ballon d’Or nomination; their talent is what made them worthy of being nominated.”

Barcelona president avoids Real Madrid controversy

Laporta was also asked about Real Madrid’s criticism of refereeing after their defeat by Real Betis. The Barcelona president appeared keen to avoid creating further controversy and instead focused on his own club’s direction.

“We are very busy and excited about Barcelona,” he said. “We have assembled the perfect Barcelona team. Deco has done an exceptional job, along with Bojan and the entire sporting committee. Deco manages the team brilliantly, while Bojan and Alejandro work in complete coordination with Deco and Hansi Flick.”

Laporta ended by adopting a calm tone, saying Barcelona should concentrate on its own progress while respecting the actions of other clubs unless they went beyond accepted standards of institutional relations.

“Together, we have managed to build such a competitive team,” he said. “What excites us most is Barcelona. As for what other teams do, as long as they do not go beyond the limits of the respect and institutional harmony that must be maintained, we are comfortable with this position.

“Let other teams do what they believe is appropriate. We respect that as long as there is no clear breach of what is normal in relations between clubs.”