13.10.2026 14:10
Barcelona President Joan Laporta made striking statements about Istanbul and the RAMS Park atmosphere before the Galatasaray match. Laporta, who likened the yellow-reds' stadium to hell, said they aim to win the Champions League.
In the UEFA Champions League, Barcelona President Joan Laporta, whose team will visit Galatasaray, made statements before the match. Speaking before the official dinner to be held between the executives of the two clubs, Laporta both assessed his team's situation and drew attention to the atmosphere of RAMS Park.
"ISTANBUL IS WONDERFUL BUT THIS STADIUM IS HELL"
Stating that he liked Istanbul very much, Laporta used striking expressions about Galatasaray's home atmosphere. The Barcelona President said, "We are in Turkey and we will play against Galatasaray. Istanbul is a wonderful city that I recommend. Football is breathed in Galatasaray's stadium and this place is hell. It's the kind of match you enjoy playing."
Laporta said he did not want to answer the question asked about Real Madrid's complaints, stating that he would only speak about Barcelona.
"WE WANT TO WIN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE"
Laporta, expressing that Barcelona aims for the top in all competitions this season, emphasized that the Champions League is among their priorities. The president, stating that the team is ready for the match, expressed that he was pleased with the high tempo in the last training and the players' motivation.
Laporta used the words, "As players, coaches, sporting management, and the Barcelona community, we are very excited for the Champions League. This year we have set this goal for ourselves."
"WE PLAY THE BEST FOOTBALL IN THE WORLD"
Stating that he trusts his team's performance, Laporta argued that Barcelona plays the best football in Europe. Saying that Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are also strong candidates for the Champions League title, Laporta stated that the team under Hansi Flick puts on a game that gives fans joy.
PRAISE FOR FLICK AND DECO
The Barcelona President stated that head coach Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco played an important role in creating the positive atmosphere within the team. Expressing that he is pleased with the players' competition for the shirt, Laporta said that team spirit forms the basis of success.
BALLON D'OR MESSAGE FOR LAMINE YAMAL
Laporta also spoke about Barcelona's young star Lamine Yamal. Stating that he wants the Spanish footballer to win the Ballon d'Or award, Laporta used the words, "I hope Lamine wins the Ballon d'Or, he deserves it."