Barcelona President Exposes Squad's Raw Response to Crushing PSG Loss
Barcelona's president Joan Laporta has praised how the team bounced back from their midweek loss to Paris Saint-Germain, suggesting this setback might actually propel them toward Champions League glory this season.
The club's perfect start to the campaign came to a sudden halt when PSG secured a well-earned 2-1 victory on Wednesday, with Luis Enrique's team living up to their reputation as defending European champions.
Head coach Hansi Flick attributed the loss to tired players, but Laporta expressed no worries about the result, commending how the squad responded during training sessions ahead of Sunday's match against Sevilla.
"I've spent time with Flick, the players, and [sporting director] Deco, and I was impressed by their response," Laporta commented at an anniversary celebration. "They recognize there are areas needing improvement.
"If we had to face adversity, it's better happening now rather than later, as I can see they're driven to compete for the Champions League title."
Flick: Barcelona Will Give Everything to Win Champions League
Flick's inaugural campaign with Barcelona was memorable, culminating in La Liga success and a domestic treble, yet there remained some disappointment regarding their Champions League performance. Barcelona anticipated facing PSG in the final but were eliminated by Serie A powerhouse Inter in the previous round.
This season, Barcelona continue to be among the tournament favorites, though Wednesday's loss to PSG has caused concern among some supporters about their championship prospects. At a recent Oktoberfest celebration in Barcelona, Flick worked to calm those fans' anxieties.
"I guarantee we will compete for the Champions League," he declared. "We will give everything we have, though it won't be simple. If we achieve it, I'll be extremely pleased.
"My most memorable moment with Bayern Munich was capturing the Champions League; it was incredible. At Barcelona, everyone desires that success, and we will battle to make it reality. It won't be straightforward, but I guarantee we will fight."