Laporta slams Mbappé penalty claim: 'Diving for the swimming pool!'
Barcelona president Joan Laporta dismisses Mbappé's penalty appeal while heaping praise on Flick and discussing Yamal's future at star-studded Mundo Deportivo gala.
Barça president Joan Laporta wasn’t mincing his words about Kylian Mbappé’s penalty appeal against Rayo Vallecano, calling it a proper “piscinazo” (dive) as he arrived at Monday’s Mundo Deportivo gala in high spirits.
Flick gets presidential seal of approval
Laporta led a star-studded Barcelona contingent at the awards ceremony, including Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and manager Hansi Flick. The president was absolutely chuffed with his German gaffer, even presenting him with one of the night’s trophies.
“For us, someone with his experience and knowledge was important,” Laporta gushed about Flick, “but if he’s a phenomenon as a coach, he’s even more so as a person.”
In what’ll be music to Culés’ ears, Laporta made a bold promise about Flick’s future at the club:
- If re-elected as president, he’ll extend Flick’s contract
- The German would remain “coach for as long as he wants”
Yamal dreams of one-club career
Wunderkind Lamine Yamal, another award recipient, spoke about his Barcelona future and Tuesday’s Copa del Rey clash with Albacete:
“I hope to finish my career at Barça. I enjoy every training session and I’m at the best club in the world,” said the teenage sensation, before adding that the Copa is “a title we have to win” and tomorrow’s match is “very important.”
Raphinha downplays injury concerns
Brazilian star Raphinha collected his own award but confirmed he’ll miss the Albacete cup tie through injury, though he was quick to play down any serious concerns:
“I’m fine. I’m a bit tired, but good,” he explained. “In theory, it will be a short time and I’ll try to recover as quickly as possible.”
When asked about potentially playing in the 2030 World Cup final at Camp Nou, the 27-year-old remained grounded: “I live day by day and the 2030 World Cup is far away, but I take good care of myself and maybe it could happen.”