Laporta talks Lamine, Luis Enrique, La Masia, Al-Khelaifi ahead of PSG v Barcelona: ‘He is a genius’

Laporta talks Lamine, Luis Enrique, La Masia, Al-Khelaifi ahead of PSG v Barcelona: ‘He is a genius’ Speaking in an interview with L’Equipe , FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta lavished praise on teenage superstar Lamine Yamal, while also discussing their upcoming UEFA Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain. Barça take on PSG tomorrow night at Parc des Princes in what is one of the most highly anticipated Champions League fixtures of the season. Laporta credits Luis Enrique for PSG’s success Leading up to the game, apart from the club’s relationship with Real Madrid , the Barcelona president was also asked whether his club deserved some credit for PSG’s success because of the influence of Luis Enrique, who previously coached Barcelona. “He is from Asturias, but he has always considered himself one of us. He developed as a coach here to some extent, first managing the reserve team between 2008 and 2011 and then the first team between 2014 and 2017,” said Laporta. Continuing, he added: “The footballing identity of his teams carries something of Barcelona’s original style. “PSG’s success came with Luis Enrique. He won because he gave the team his personality. When he decided to change things, he did it just like that,” Laporta added, mimicking a sudden movement by striking his desk. Laporta hailed Luis Enrique. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images) At the same time, he also highlighted the work done by PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, saying: “Nasser also deserves credit for taking a chance on him, as does Luis Campos.” Laporta was equally warm when discussing his relationship with Al-Khelaifi, particularly following Ferran Torres’s move to Paris this summer. “My relationship with Nasser is very good. I think I can say that we are friends. There is a great deal of respect between us. “He runs the European Club Association brilliantly, and he does the same with PSG. I congratulate him on that. Today, PSG are European champions. “The next match between our two teams will confirm that we are two leading clubs on the world stage. For us, the game will also give us an indication of our true level.” Laporta confident Barcelona can keep Lamine Yamal With PSG among the clubs capable of offering players lucrative contracts, Laporta was asked whether he feared that another club might tempt Lamine Yamal with a higher salary. “No. We trust in our own strength. Barcelona pay their players well, and that has always been the case,” he stated firmly. “What matters is feeling comfortable at the club. Away from Barcelona, the atmosphere is very cold. Here, we are in a good place. “It is a well-organised, multi-sport club with a strong structure and good management. The players appreciate that. Of course, we are not perfect, but everything can be improved, and we are doing good work.” Laporta in awe of Lamine Yamal. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images) Laporta then offered an emphatic assessment of Yamal’s qualities, stating: “Lamine knows how to do everything, and on top of that, he has a spectacular dimension to his game. He is a player who knows how to entertain the fans. “Lamine is a genius! He has that magic inside him and that ability to amaze people. It is not just about the way he plays, but also his mentality. “Lamine is entertainment. At the moment, it is impossible to imagine football without Lamine.” The Barcelona president also believes Yamal’s connection with the club will help secure his long-term future. “Lamine is a La Masia product. He feels the colours of Barcelona, he is grateful to the club, and he is a Culer . All of that makes the renewal process easier. “We are extremely proud of him. He feels loved here, which is important for a player of his level. He is growing and maturing. He was 15 when he played his first match, and now he is 19. He is almost a veteran already,” Laporta joked. Barcelona target domestic and European dominance Laporta insisted that Barcelona’s recent success has come from responsible management and discipline, and outlined the club’s ambitions for the current campaign. “Barcelona dominate because they work responsibly and with discipline. That is why we have won three league titles in four years,” he said. “Our aim this season is to win the league again and continue to dominate Spanish football. We also want to dominate European football. “This year, we have made the Champions League a target. It is a competition that has eluded us in recent years. “We continue to work according to our philosophy, the same philosophy we teach in our youth development system, because that is where everything begins,” he explained. Laporta reveals the secret behind La Masia Asked what makes Barcelona’s famed academy so successful, Laporta identified belief in young players and a clear footballing philosophy as the foundations of its approach. “The key word is belief. We believe in our young male and female players,” he stated. Further explaining, Laporta added: “Coaches are selected through a very rigorous process. If a coach moves away from the principles that inspire our style, they are replaced. “But if a coach develops in a way that makes them ready to progress, they are promoted.” “We have to demand more than just winning. There is a formula: positioning, pressing and precision. And, of course, passion. “The aim is to play with just two touches. There is also possession of the ball. That is the secret of La Masia that I am revealing to you.”