FC Barcelona faced their first defeat of the 2025-26 season when they faced Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League last Wednesday. The Blaugranes were undone by a goal from the Parisian team in the very last moments of the game, [which ultimately gave them the win](https://semprebarca.com/yamal-7-0-olmo-5-5-fc-barcelona-1-2-paris-saint-germain-player-ratings/).
Yet behind the disappointment, president Joan Laporta has revealed a sense of calm determination inside the dressing room.
As [Mundo Deportivo](https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20251003/1002544391/laporta-he-flick-jugadores-deco-me-gusta-reaccion-psg.html) has reported, speaking at the 50th-anniversary celebration of the PB Josep Raich Supporters’ Club in Molins de Rei, Laporta shared how Hansi Flick and his squad reacted after the setback.
**“I’ve been with Flick, the players, and Deco, and I liked their reaction: they are aware that there are things to improve. If a setback had to happen, better now than later, because I see them motivated to compete for the Champions League.”**
The president reaffirmed his belief in the group’s resilience:
**“Our players will never give up,”** he predicted confidently.
Laporta emphasized that this determination is a hallmark of FC Barcelona across all teams and departments.
**“Our players, our women’s team, our coaches… all share one principle: we fight to the very end — not only in competitions but also against any obstacles we encounter,”** he declared. **“That fighting spirit has only grown stronger, even though we inherited a wage bill that exceeded the limit by 600 million euros.”**
While he admitted that the PSG defeat **“left a bit of bitterness,”** Laporta also highlighted the recent handball world championship triumph as a bright moment for the club.
**“We always overcome obstacles, and that makes us stronger,”** he insisted. **“We’ve been brave with the new stadium — it was an absolute necessity. Other clubs can inject capital or have state backing, but we are proud to be a members-owned club. The new Spotify Camp Nou will make us competitive again — it will be the safest and most modern stadium in the world.”**
The Barça president also took time to recognize the supporters’ movement as a vital source of strength:
**“The supporters’ clubs are a very valuable indicator of Barça’s health. They give us the strength to fight against everything and everyone.”**
Laporta concluded by reaffirming his board’s commitment to rebuilding the club on solid foundations:
**“We inherited a disastrous legacy and have had to work extremely hard to save Barça — and we’ve done it. People trusted us to restore the club’s economy, move forward with the Spotify Camp Nou, and make La Masia the heart of our sporting project.”**
With confidence restored within the dressing room, Laporta believes the defeat to PSG will act as motivation rather than a setback. As Barcelona prepare to face Sevilla, the president’s message is clear: the Blaugrana are ready to respond, united in purpose, focused, and determined not to surrender.