Barcelona missed out on qualifying for the final of the UEFA Champions League by the barest of margins as the team lost 6-7 on aggregate to Inter Milan.
This comes after Barcelona’s 3-4 defeat to Inter Milan last night, where the team fought until the very end and was rather unlucky with some of the refereeing decisions.
Nevertheless, after the defeat, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has come forward to send a message to the fans and the team, in general.
Laporta on the loss to Inter
Talking about the defeat to Inter, Laporta, who had to console players after the defeat, doubled down on the refereeing decisions that cost the team dearly.
“We fought to reach the final, but it wasn’t possible. The reason for this is mainly due to refereeing decisions that harmed us. This should make us stronger. It should make us stronger to have the mentality to win the league,” he said.
“Yesterday’s defeat was very close, and we couldn’t achieve it. We fought to get there, but it wasn’t possible,” he added.
Barcelona would have been able to avoid at least two goals had it not been for the referee, with even Dutch footballing legend Ruud Gullit tearing into the match officials’ performances.
Laporta’s message to fans
Other than talking about the defeat to Inter Milan, Laporta also thanked the away fans who travelled to Milan.
“My message to Barcelona fans is one of thanks and gratitude. The more than 4,000 fans who were in Milan yesterday supported these players and this coach, Hansi Flick, who deserves everything,” he said.
Laporta added by thanking fans for standing behind Flick’s Barcelona all throughout the season.
“Also to all the Barcelona fans who supported these players and stood behind Hansi throughout the season to achieve the goals we set.
“We all have to help the team regain the mentality needed to win the league. Yesterday, we couldn’t do that,” he said.
Laporta on the team and the road ahead
Perhaps more importantly, Laporta expressed hope and optimism in this Barcelona team, despite the defeat to Inter Milan last night.
“I see that Barcelona is proud of this team, proud of what is being built, and this gives us strength. Being proud of this team and supporting it is what will help it regain the mentality necessary to continue fighting to win the league, and that is what all of us Barcelona fans want,” he said.
Talking about the league title and the upcoming El Clasico against Real Madrid on May 11, Laporta added, “The next match is crucial to winning the league, and everyone knows that very well.”
“We must all fill the Montjuïc stadium to support and cheer on this team that we are proud of, and which now needs our support more than ever.
“I call on all Barcelona fans to give this support and cheer for the team so that we can win the match against Real Madrid this Sunday, which will be the key to winning La Liga,” he said about the Clasico.
“We have a team for the present and the future, and I am convinced that if we keep working, dreams will come true, and next season we will return to the Champions League and compete to win it,” he concluded.
Source: Barça One
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