Laporta hands out the praise before Europe’s verdict on Deco

Joan Laporta did not wait for the season to deliver its final answers. Before Barcelona’s opening Champions League match against Feyenoord, the president praised Deco, Bojan Krkić, the sporting committee, Hansi Flick and the board. Barcelona have not yet been tested in Europe, but the internal awards ceremony is already well underway.

LAPORTA PRAISES THE SPORTING DEPARTMENT

Laporta spoke before the traditional directors’ lunch ahead of the Feyenoord game. A question about Real Madrid’s refereeing complaints was quickly redirected towards Barcelona and the squad assembled for the new campaign.

The president said Deco had done “extraordinary work” alongside Bojan and the rest of the sporting committee. He also highlighted the coordination between Deco and Flick, while adding that the board had played its part in building a competitive team.

The sporting director was not presented as the only architect of the squad, but he received Laporta’s strongest endorsement. Coming from a president who rarely allows a promising start to pass without attaching it to the club’s wider project, the message was hardly subtle.

BARCELONA TARGET EVERY TROPHY

Laporta believes the team are equipped to compete on every front. He listed a third consecutive LaLiga title, another Copa del Rey triumph, the Spanish Super Cup and the Champions League among Barcelona’s objectives.

European success remains the major ambition. Barcelona’s domestic performances provide grounds for confidence, but Champions League campaigns have a habit of separating presidential optimism from sporting reality. The first continental match will begin that examination.

LAPORTA BACKS LAMINE YAMAL

The president also discussed the Ballon d’Or nominations. He expressed pride at Barcelona’s representation across the men’s and women’s categories, although he felt Pedri and Raphinha deserved places among the nominees.

Lamine Yamal received the warmest praise. Laporta described the 19-year-old as mature and a footballing genius, and said he would be delighted to see him win the award. He also supported Lamine’s appointment as a captain, while noting that Gavi possessed the experience to take on such a role as well.

THE RESULTS MUST SUPPORT THE PRAISE

Barcelona have provided Laporta with a strong opening argument. Flick’s team won their first four LaLiga matches, scoring 17 goals and conceding only twice.

That start deserves recognition, but judging Deco’s work requires more than a productive few weeks. The squad was built to compete for every major honour and will now be measured against that promise. Laporta has already delivered the glowing review. Europe gets the next vote.