October 13
Flick and Deco’s Synergy Drives Success
Barcelona President Joan Laporta asserted that his team is playing the best football in Europe and the world, praising the players' performance under coach Hansi Flick. These remarks came just hours before the Champions League clash against Galatasaray in Istanbul.
According to Spanish sources, Laporta reviewed the latest updates regarding Barcelona and discussed the team's ambitions for the season, noting the Catalan club's aim to compete for every trophy. He also commended the atmosphere within the dressing room and the work being done by both Deco and Flick.
Speaking about Barcelona's performance under Flick, Laporta said: "With all due humility, Barcelona is playing the best football in Europe and the world. There are other teams performing at a very high level—such as Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich—that are also contenders for titles. Ultimately, surprises always happen, so we must remain vigilant; however, in terms of the quality of football, we are the team delivering the best performance and providing enjoyment to the fans. We delight football lovers and Barcelona supporters alike, playing a style of football that they admire."
The Barcelona president declined to discuss Real Madrid, joking, "If I don't bring up the subject of Vinícius, they’ll let me keep talking," before adding regarding the club: "I’m not going to get into that topic."
Conversely, Laporta praised the atmosphere within the Barcelona dressing room, stating: "Atmosphere and team spirit are the keys to everything. That is what Flick and his coaching staff—along with Deco and his team—have successfully achieved. The collaboration between Deco and Flick is going well; there is a positive vibe and great ambition. Every player who takes the pitch performs brilliantly, while those who don't play strive to improve so they can surpass the teammate who got the opportunity."
Laporta also reiterated his support for Lamine Yamal in the race for the Ballon d'Or. Responding to a question about the young player's chances of winning the award, he said: "I hope Lamine wins the Ballon d'Or; he deserves it." The Barcelona president emphasized that the team aims to compete for every trophy this season, explaining: "Our ambition is to be contenders in every competition we enter. We have an incredibly strong and balanced squad; Deco and his team have done a fantastic job, and we possess a roster capable of competing at the highest level. Expectations are very high."
He added: "We have started the league campaign well, and we will return here in February to compete for the Super Cup and the Cup—trophies we aim to contend for. As for the Champions League—a competition that excites everyone at Barcelona—it is a specific goal we have set for ourselves this year."
Laporta also discussed the upcoming match against Galatasaray, affirming the team's readiness: "It is a Champions League match—the best club competition in the world. We are heading into the game in excellent form; we held a high-intensity training session yesterday, the players are highly motivated, and we feel very positive."
