According to reports, Joan Laporta was an unexpected guest at a private dinner organized by the coaching staff to boost the team’s morale ahead of Sunday’s El Clasico, where more than just the La Liga title is at stake. The Barcelona president, accompanied by his usual entourage, including Deco and Bojan, as well as Alejandro Echevarría, attended the event.

His presence was welcomed by players still recovering from the wounds of their Champions League elimination. Despite nearly 48 hours passing, discussions about how they lost the match against Inter Milan continued—a game that was in Barcelona’s favor until the final two minutes. The name of the referee, Marciniak of Poland, was still on everyone’s lips.

Laporta did not give a motivational speech but spoke in small groups with players, lifting their spirits and encouraging them for Sunday’s match. He also inquired about the condition of injured players, particularly Robert Lewandowski, who returned to action on Tuesday, as well as Alejandro Balde and Marc Casadó, who are close to receiving medical clearance.

The club president, seated with the coaching staff at the barbecue table, took the opportunity for a private conversation with Hansi Flick—likely about multiple topics, including the imminent contract extension of the German coach.

Flick, the German manager, was the organizer of this motivational gathering. Initially, he planned to hold the event after the match against Real Madrid, but following their Champions League elimination, he decided to bring it forward to help the team mentally recover and focus entirely on La Liga.