Joan Laporta: El Clásico defeat is a blow, but we remain top of the league

Barcelona president Joan Laporta acknowledged Real Madrid's counter-attacking prowess while emphasizing that despite Sunday's El Clásico loss, Barcelona still leads the league table.

Speaking to Movistar ahead of the Ballon d'Or ceremony, Laporta discussed Barcelona's loss in Sunday's El Clásico: "It was a heavy blow for the fans, but the head coach already knows what happened. We couldn't impose our game, and we have to accept that. Real Madrid's counter-attacks are very strong. Nevertheless, we remain in first place, and we know this is a long competition. The team's objectives haven't changed."

Laporta then expressed confidence in head coach Flick: "He is the ideal coach for Barcelona. He understands our system and admires Cruyff, which is why we chose him. Of course, every coach has their own characteristics. He favors vertical attacking, and we appreciate that too. The results speak for themselves. Our goal is to win the league and, with all due humility, to win the Champions League, which we haven't managed to win."

On Flick's grasp of Barcelona's playing style, he added: "Flick knows what Barcelona fans want—possession, positioning, and pressing football. We are also working on the offside trap, and it's proving effective, though it does make us somewhat uncomfortable."

Before the Ballon d'Or results were announced, Laporta also publicly backed Yamal: "We believe he deserves it. Looking at the three main contenders, I think Yamal merits it based on his talent and the trophies he has already won. He's very much looking forward to it."