Laporta: Yamal is a genius and his Ballon d'Or nomination is deserved, this is our goal

Joan Laporta, president of FC Barcelona, has confirmed that winning the UEFA Champions League is the team's main goal this season, while also praising Spanish player Lamine Yamal, stating that his nomination for the Ballon d'Or is completely deserved.

Joan Laporta's statements came during a lunch that brought together the managements of FC Barcelona and Feyenoord before the two teams face each other this evening in the opening of their UEFA Champions League campaign, where the president of the Catalan club discussed the team's objectives and the Ballon d'Or nominations.

Joan Laporta said: "We have a goal of winning the league for the third consecutive season, and that would be exceptional. We also aim to continue being the kings of cups, which would be good as well, and we want to win the Super Cup to send a message midway through the season that we are here to try to win the league. And of course, we want to win the UEFA Champions League this year, and if you ask me about the biggest goal, I would say yes."

The president of FC Barcelona spoke about the club's nominations for the Ballon d'Or, stating: "FC Barcelona is a unique club in the world, and evidence of this is the nominations we have received at the level of players, coaches, and the club itself. We are very proud. The players at the club should be grateful to FC Barcelona for what it offers them. My favorites are the players of FC Barcelona, and I would be very happy if a player from Barcelona wins."

Joan Laporta praised Lamine Yamal, saying: "He is in great shape. He has exceptional quality, he is a genius, and I believe his nomination for the Ballon d'Or is fully deserved. He has great boldness and maturity for his age, as well as being a leader. I'll tell you something else, I feel sorry for some players who could have been nominees as well, like Jaive, who also has an impressive career. This is a decision for the players and Hans Flick, and I think it was made very well. I feel sorry when you talk about nominations and neither Pedri nor Raphinha are among the nominees. I believe they also delivered what they deserve for a nomination, and thanks to their quality, they deserved to be on the list."

Regarding the refereeing criticisms directed at Real Madrid after their loss to Real Betis, Laporta was keen to avoid entering into any controversy, stating: "We are busy and excited about FC Barcelona, and the team we have built. Deco has done an exceptional job, alongside Bojan and the entire sports committee. Deco is leading the work brilliantly, and Bojan and Alejandro are also coordinating with Deco and Hans Flick. We have all managed to form this highly competitive squad. What excites us the most is FC Barcelona. In light of what other teams are doing, as long as they do not exceed the limits of respect and institutional agreement that must be maintained, we are in this position. Other teams can do what they see fit, and we respect that as long as there is, of course, no overstepping of what is normal in the relationships between clubs."