Laporta talks Flick, Yamal, Kounde, Florentino Perez after Copa del Rey triumph | OneFootball

Barcelona president Joan Laporta could not hide his happiness after the Blaugrana’s thrilling 3-2 win over Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final.

Speaking to RAC1 (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Laporta admitted the victory went beyond all expectations.

He also spoke about manager Hansi Flick’s situation, explaining that while Flick has signed a contract until 2026, he prefers to work year by year.

Laporta said, “Flick knows that we want this project to last as long as possible. He fits the club perfectly, both for his human qualities and his sporting ideas.

“But he likes to have a year’s margin. Right now, we have Flick for this season and the next. The sports commission is working on securing the immediate future.”

On Lamine Yamal’s future

Joan Laporta was overjoyed after Copa del Rey win. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Furthermore, Laporta also compared the process to how Lamine Yamal’s future was handled:

“The decision comes from the sports commission from a technical point of view. Then, there is a financial side which is approved by the board and myself as president.”

He reminded listeners that it was Deco, alongside Bojan Krkic, who picked Flick:

“Deco and Bojan led the analysis. I liked Flick from the start, but they studied him deeply from both a sporting and human perspective. There were other options too.”

Respect between rivals after the final

Talking about the Copa del Rey final, Laporta revealed that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez congratulated him after the match.

Jules Kounde scored the winner against Real Madrid. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

“We have a respectful relationship. The controversy before the final? We saw it as just another strategy.

“We stayed focused on football and on putting on a great show full of passion and rivalry. We didn’t fall into the traps outside the game.”

Laporta also shared a personal moment from the final, explaining how he celebrated Jules Kounde’s goal:

“I jumped out of my seat without even thinking, but quickly sat down again. I didn’t want to show any disrespect. It was just a natural reaction,” he concluded.