Laporta insists Barcelona ‘play the best football in the world’, backs Lamine for Ballon d’Or

Laporta insists Barcelona ‘play the best football in the world’, backs Lamine for Ballon d’Or FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta addressed the media earlier today ahead of the team’s UEFA Champions League showdown against Galatasaray in Istanbul. The Blaugrana have been in unstoppable form so far this season, having won each of their nine matches in all competitions – eight in La Liga and one in the Champions League. Their current run is unmatched by any team in Europe this season and naturally, Laporta was full of praise for Hansi Flick’s side, expressing his belief that Barça are currently playing the most attractive football in Europe and beyond.  “Barcelona, with all due humility, are playing the best football in Europe and the world,” he said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo . “There are other teams that are very good, such as PSG and Bayern Munich, and they are also candidates to win competitions. Then again, there’s always the odd surprise, and we have to be ready,” he added. “But in terms of quality football, we are the ones playing the best and putting on a show. We make sure that football fans and Barça supporters have a good time; we play a style of football that people love.” Delighted with Barcelona’s start to the season. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Laporta praises the atmosphere created by Flick and Deco The Barcelona president declined to comment on Real Madrid when asked about their complaints against the refereeing in Spain, simply stating: “I am not going to get into that.”  However, he joked that “If I do not bring up the Vinicius issue, they’ll let me speak.” Instead, Laporta focused on the atmosphere within the Barcelona dressing room and the work of Flick, sporting director Deco and their respective teams. “The atmosphere and team spirit are the key to everything, and Flick and his staff, along with Deco and his team, have achieved that,” he said, praising the Barcelona manager and sporting director. “The Deco-Flick combination is working, and there is this atmosphere and ambition because whoever plays does very well, while those who do not play want to improve and on those who do,” Laporta explained.  He was once again asked about Lamine Yamal’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or and made his position clear.  “I hope Lamine wins the Ballon d’Or. He deserves it,”  he said unequivocally. Ballon d’Or contender. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) Barcelona targeting every major trophy Laporta also outlined the club’s ambitions for the season, insisting that Barcelona have the squad depth and quality to compete for every trophy available to them.  “The aim is to be contenders to win every competition we enter. We have a very competitive and well-balanced team; Deco and his staff have done a fantastic job, and we have a very competitive squad,” he said.  Continuing, the Barcelona president added: “The demands are very high. We’ve started the league well; we’ll be back here in February for the Super Cup and the Copa del Rey, and we want to be contenders to win them. “And the Champions League, which we’re all very excited about, all of us at Barcelona: this is our goal this year.”  Turning his attention to the match against Galatasaray tonight, Laporta highlighted the importance of the Champions League and expressed confidence in Barcelona’s preparations.  “It is a Champions League match, the best club competition in the world. We are arriving in very good form. Yesterday’s training session was very intense, the players are highly motivated, and we have good feelings,” he concluded.