With the November international break coming to an end, Barcelona are looking to resume their season in the most emphatic way possible as they return to Camp Nou to face Athletic Club.
It will be a must-win game for Hansi Flick’s men, who are looking to pressure Real Madrid at the top of the league table.
There will be added pressure of performing at Camp Nou, which will be hosting its first game in over two and a half years.
Joan Laporta visits Barcelona players ahead of Athletic Club tie
Heading into this crunch affair, Barcelona president Joan Laporta visited the Ciutat Esportiva, the club’s training facility, to meet the players and encourage them for tomorrow’s clash, reports SPORT.
Laporta is well aware of the pressure players are facing ahead of the return to Camp Nou. He took advantage of the team lunch to speak to the players and encourage them to perform well tomorrow.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta
Laporta encouraged the players ahead of Athletic Club clash. (Photo by Linnea Rheborg/Getty Images)
The Barcelona president particularly spoke to players who have been with the team for years and have yet to play a single game at Camp Nou. Those include Fermin Lopez and Pau Cubarsi.
This is not the first time Laporta has visited and greeted the Barcelona players ahead of a crucial match. It has, in fact, become a tradition lately.
Laporta was also accompanied by trusted advisor Enric Masip.
Barcelona, for their part, have been blessed with the return of Joan Garcia, who is expected to start against Athletic Club. However, Marcus Rashford could be out as he has been down with a fever.
Lamine Yamal, meanwhile, is feeling good, while Raphinha could be fit enough to play at least 15-20 minutes this weekend.