"With Ansu, Dembele and Aguero we have a much more competitive team"

Joan Laporta was not scheduled to address the press, but the president thought it was both opportune and convenient on the eve of another important match. In front of the 'BarçaTV' cameras and the other media outlets, the president gave a brief overview.

"We have a very important game and we have to go out and win because we need the first three points in the Champions League to be where we need to be. Benfica is not an easy team and we have to progress and be confident," he said.

Most of the words of the Catalan president were for Ansu Fati and his return to the field of play. For Laporta, he "represents illusion and hope".

"It is very nice to see a player who has had a bad time being grateful to those who have looked after him. To come back after the injury and score that goal generated a burst of emotion," he continued.

Laporta assured that Ansu Fati asked for the '10', as long as he received the approval of the captains: "It is an act of humility that shows his personality".

As for the recoveries, the Barcelona boss said that the team is growing: "With the recovery of Ansu and Dembele, and we hope that with the recovery of Kun, we will start to have a much more competitive team. Also with the help of the fans.

Finally, Laporta took a stand against Procicat, the body that has not given the go-ahead for 100% capacity in stadiums: "It's a very big detriment. We have let them know. If LaLiga proposes 100%, we would be more satisfied if they accepted these percentages".

Laporta defended La Masia

Barcelona, with players like Emre Demir, have made their stance clear on transfers and looking to the future. President Joan Laporta defended La Masia tooth and nail.

"La Masia is the way for the style of play we play. We have to go one step further. If we make it compatible with high performance sporting techniques, we will be creating the next level that a modern team needs," he said.

Laporta said that "other teams have tightened up on physical preparation", but what Barcelona will do is apply "new techniques" to be "unbeatable".