Laporta consoles Barcelona players after heartbreaking Inter loss – ‘Fans are very proud of you’ | OneFootball

In the wake of Barcelona’s crushing exit from the Champions League at the hands of Inter Milan, President Joan Laporta made it a priority to stand firmly behind his players.

The Blaugrana were just moments away from booking a spot in the final in Munich, only to see it snatched from them in the 92nd minute, as Inter levelled the score to 3-3. Despite the heartbreak, Laporta showed nothing but support.

There were no harsh words, no blame, and no visible frustration. Laporta entered the dressing room with calm and dignity, personally congratulating the team for their tremendous effort, determination, and the courage to come back from behind twice during the tie.

Applauding their resilience, he reminded them: “You can go out with your heads held high, the fans are very proud of you,” he said.

There will always be a next time

Laporta didn’t dwell on the bitter ending. Instead, he offered hope. “We’re going to do it again and we’re going to do it even better,” he promised, looking ahead to next season’s Champions League campaign.

Barcelona players were heartbroken after the match. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

His optimistic tone aimed to lift the spirits of a devastated dressing room that had left everything on the pitch.

While his words were met with appreciation, the pain of elimination was still raw. Faces in the locker room were etched with disappointment and frustration.

Some players were seen shaking their heads, clearly still thinking about the controversial foul on Gerard Martin that preceded Inter’s third goal, an incident that may have changed the course of the match.

Still, Laporta’s presence sent an important message: Barcelona are not a club that crumbles in defeat. They regroup.

And under his leadership, the belief is strong that this team, led by Hansi Flick and powered by a new generation of stars, will soon return to Europe’s biggest stage with even more hunger.

Source: AS