Joan Laporta backs Hansi Flick after Barcelona’s El Clasico defeat: ‘It was a tough blow, but…’

Joan Laporta has backed Hansi Flick to lead Barcelona forward after the club's 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in El Clasico , insisting that the team's ambitions for the season remain unchanged.

Speaking at the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony at the London Palladium, the Barcelona president acknowledged the disappointment of losing to their rivals but pointed to the team's position at the top of La Liga.

Laporta attended the ceremony alongside UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, where he also discussed Barcelona's response to the defeat and expressed confidence in Flick's leadership.

Laporta insists Barcelona remain on track after El Clasico defeat

Barcelona were unable to produce their usual performance against Real Madrid, suffering a 2-1 league defeat that dealt a setback to Flick's side.

However, Laporta believes the team's young squad can recover quickly and remain focused on its objectives.

"It was a tough blow, but the players are young and they bounce back quickly. We weren't able to play our usual game, but we're still top of the table.

Laporta is optimistic even after losing El Clasico. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

"We're still top of La Liga and our expectations remain intact. And Flick is the ideal manager for Barça," he said, as per Mundo Deportivo .

Lamine Yamal finishes third in Ballon d'Or rankings

It must be noted that Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal finished third in the Ballon d'Or standings , behind Kylian Mbappé, while Rodri Hernández placed fourth.

Yamal's podium finish provided another individual milestone for the young Barcelona star, even as the club sought to move on from its defeat to Real Madrid.

Despite the Ballon d'Or disappointment, Lamine was awarded the well-deserved Kopa Trophy .

Joan Garcia reflects on Barcelona journey at Ballon d'Or gala

Meanwhile, Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia, who was nominated for Goalkeeper of the Year, also spoke at the ceremony and praised fellow nominees Unai Simon and David Raya.

"I'm very happy to be here, and I'm glad Unai Simon and David Raya are here too. The three of us are similar yet different.

"We all deserve to be here," he remarked.

Reflecting on his progress since joining Barcelona less than a year and a half earlier, Garcia added

"I've taken it in my stride. The people around you are very important. Looking back, I'm proud of how everything has gone."

Crucially, Laporta and Garcia made their comments before Harry Kane was announced as the 2026 Ballon d'Or winner.