Yahoo Sports Deco hails in-form Barcelona captain as ‘one of the best in the world’
In his second season as the sporting director of FC Barcelona, Deco celebrated his first title last weekend when the Catalans won the Spanish Super Cup, with a commanding 5-2 victory over Real Madrid in the final.
The former Portuguese footballer, who took on the role in June 2023, has not had it easy, given the various challenges that he has faced due to Barça’s financial situation while he also had to oversee a managerial change as well.
Deco reflected on the challenges he has faced, the team’s performance, and the importance of the club’s youth academy in an interview with Brazil’s Globoesporte (h/t Mundo Deportivo).
Praise for Raphinha
Deco highlighted the performance of Barcelona captain Raphinha, who is in red-hot form currently. It must be remembered that the former midfielder was the Brazilian’s agent and brought him to Barça.
“I have known Raphinha since his time in the youth ranks, and I was certain of the brilliant future he would have ahead of him. What you are seeing this season is Raphinha being Raphinha,” said Deco.
“Since he arrived at Barcelona, he has had standout performances and good numbers. However, all of this is part of a process of adaptation and maturation, and at this moment, he is one of the best in the world,” he added.
On the challenges as director
As the sporting director, Deco emphasized that his priorities have shifted. Among the challenges he faces, the Barcelona executive highlighted the importance of balancing the present and future of the club, saying:
“The challenges are to leave behind a competitive team and a financially organised club, with a salary mass that aligns with the current reality. The goal is to be able to compete with the biggest clubs in the world, as Barcelona has always done.
“Although football requires planning, even with organisation and strategy, sometimes time is needed to adjust all the pieces and achieve results.”
Barcelona have faced constant issues regarding compliance with La Liga’s Financial Fair Play, which nearly prevented them from registering Dani Olmo and Pau Victor.
Although the Higher Sports Council (CSD) granted 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 academy, La Masia, which has produced talents such as Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, Alejandro Balde, Marc Casado, and Gavi, all of whom have key roles in the first team.
Regarding this, Deco said: “It is a tradition of our club to have great talents emerge from the lower categories. This is fundamental to building great teams, as the football market has inflated with very high values.
“Moreover, having young talents developed in-house 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. Everyone dedicates themselves in a unique way.
“We celebrated the Super Cup victory with a great win over a great team. But immediately after, we returned to our routine because we have many competitions ahead.”
Finally, Deco also spoke about the long-standing tradition of successful Brazilian players at the club, including legendary figures such as Romario, Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, and Neymar.
“I believe that Barcelona always seek to form strong teams, with quality players who embody the ‘Blaugrana Spirit’, and Brazilians fit well in that,” he concluded.
