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In his second season as sporting director of FC Barcelona, Deco celebrated his first title last weekend when the Catalans won the Spanish Super Cup, with a resounding 5-2 victory over Real Madrid in the final.
The former Portuguese footballer, who took over in June 2023, has not had it easy, given the various challenges he has faced due to Barça’s economic situation and has also had to face a change of coach.
Deco reflected on the challenges he has faced, the team’s performance and the importance of the club’s youth team in an interview with the Brazilian team Globosporte (h/t Sports World).
Praise for Raphinha
Deco highlighted the performance of Barcelona captain Raphinha, who is in peak form. It must be remembered that the former midfielder was the Brazilian’s agent and brought him to Barça.
“I knew Raphinha from his time in the youth ranks and was sure of the bright future he would have ahead of him. “What you are seeing this season is Raphinha being Raphinha.” Deco said.
“Since he arrived at Barcelona he has had outstanding performances and good numbers. However, this is all part of a process of adaptation and maturation, and right now it is one of the best in the world.” he added.
On the challenges as a director
As sports director, Deco highlighted that his priorities have changed. Among the challenges he faces, the Barcelona manager highlighted the importance of balancing the present and future of the club, stating:
“The challenges are to leave behind a competitive team and a financially organized club, with a salary mass that aligns with the current reality. The objective is to be able to compete with the biggest clubs in the world, as Barcelona has always done.
“Although football requires planning, including organization and strategy, sometimes it takes time to fit all the pieces together and achieve results.”
Barcelona has faced constant problems related to compliance with La Liga’s Financial Fair Play, which almost prevented it from registering Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor.
Although the Higher Sports Council (CSD) granted them a precautionary measure that allowed them to be temporarily registered, Deco preferred not to comment on the situation during the interview.
On La Masia, trophies
One of the pillars of Barcelona’s success continues to be its youth team, The Masiafrom which talents such as Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, Alejandro Balde, Marc Casado and Gavi have emerged, all of them with key roles in the first team.
In this regard, Deco said: “It is a tradition of our club that great talents emerge from the youth ranks. This is essential to build great teams, since the football market has been inflated with very high values.
“In addition, having young talents developed internally generates a natural identification of the player with the club.”
Deco also chose to highlight the unity and strong bond that the current squad shares, saying:
“This group of players is more than special; It is harmonious and very united. Each one is dedicated in a unique way.
“We celebrated the victory in the Super Cup with a great victory against a great team. But immediately afterwards we returned to the routine because we have many competitions ahead of us.”
Finally, Deco also spoke about the club’s long tradition of successful Brazilian players, including legendary figures such as Romario, Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho and Neymar.
“I believe that Barcelona always seeks to form strong teams, with quality players who embody the ‘blaugrana spirit‘, and Brazilians fit well into that,” he concluded.
