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Barcelona sporting director Deco was one of the keynote speakers in Barcelona’s Annual General Assembly (AGM), as he reflected on many of Barça’s sporting decisions over the past year, including the appointment of Hansi Flick.
Deco also talked about the growth of La Masia as well as the decision to sign RB Leipzig star Dani Olmo.
Deco on Flick
The highlight of Deco’s speech came when he talked about Flick, who has guided the team to a splendid start to the campaign, despite the club’s limited resources.
“From the sports management, we believed that despite not being a year of titles we had a good base for the present and future. We had to make decisions regarding punctual entries and exits, look down with courage, making important decisions.
“But we also needed the coach to believe it. And we believe that Hansi has given us this confidence because the coach is the main part of this process,” he said about Flick.
Deco went on to highlight how Barcelona have assembled a good team, much thanks to Flick’s ingenuity.
“We have created a great team because we have people with character and desire to succeed formed in the house and who also have those who have come,” he added.
Deco also pointed out Barcelona’s improved physique and fitness levels this season, under the leadership of Flick.
“Flick has given us the freedom to incorporate very high-level people like Julio Tous, Rafa Maldonado and Pepe Conde to do all the physical work to recover the level of quality in this aspect,” he said.
Deco on La Masia
Apart from Flick’s efforts, another key reason behind Barcelona’s success has been La Masia, which has produced a host of talents that have now established themselves as key first-team players.
“We have had the confirmation and consolidation of Cubarsí, Lamine and Fermín, as well as Casadó and Fort, but we needed the coach to believe it and so it has been with Hansi,” he said.
“We want to compete at the highest level and fight for all the titles, maintain the Barça style betting on La Masia without ceasing to control the world market to find young values of great projection.
“We promise work, illusion. We are in a work of present and future consolidating work and players of a lot of present and future to bring the titles we want with the football that our partners and everyone like,” he added.
Deco on Barcelona exits
Barcelona had to make some tough decisions in the summer, which included the exit of long-time servant Sergi Roberto.
The club also sold youth attacking prodigy Marc Guiu and veteran midfielders Oriol Romeu and Ilkay Gundogan. A host of players left on loan as well, including Alex Valle and Vitor Roque.
Barcelona had to let go of Sergi Roberto in the summer (Photo by JORGE GUERRERO/AFP via Getty Images)
On Guiu’s move to Chelsea, Deco said, “We have not been able to convince him and he has gone through the clause.
As for Roberto, the Brazilian added, “He has been a reference, he marked an era and we thank him very much for his dedication, but we had other plans because from below there were players who gave us guarantees. The same happened with Marcos Alonso, who suffered many injuries.”
Deco talked about Roque as well, stating, “Because we believe a lot in him, he arrived at a very difficult time and we have given him to Betis so that he has minutes, grows and can return with us. The same happens with Alex Valle.”
Valle, in particular, has been a curious case, as the Spaniard has impressed since joining Celtic on loan. His performances, therefore, have generated optimism in the Barcelona camp.
Deco on Dani Olmo
While Deco had to explain the decision to sell a host of players in the summer, he also clarified Barcelona’s only real top signing – Dani Olmo.
Deco highlighted that Olmo was a key strategic bet for Barça, stating, “Dani Olmo is a player we thought we lacked, who was a key player. We have many high-level midfielders, but Dani gives us many more solutions, he has different characteristics.”
The former Leipzig star has not disappointed either, scoring three goals in three matches. Although an injury derailed his progress, the Spaniard is guaranteed to make a comeback against Sevilla this weekend.
Regarding other signings, Deco said, “We believe a lot in Pau Victor and that’s why we executed the purchase option.
“The signing of Szczesny comes from a misfortune (Ter Stegen’s injury), but we thought we needed a goalkeeper to give more balance and stability.”
Source: Diario SPORT
