Simply days after Barcelona’s win over Actual Madrid, the membership’s sporting director, Deco, sat down with ESPN to speak concerning the membership’s potential signings within the coming summer season.
Deco additionally talked concerning the likes of Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, even hinting that the group might require reinforcements within the attacking unit.
Deco on Barcelona exceeding expectations
At first, although, Deco was requested about Barcelona’s season to date, with the Catalans on the verge of sealing a double this week.
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Deco admitted that Barcelona have certainly exceeded expectations that have been set firstly of the season.
“My concept at the start of the season, with the modifications we made, was to compete. Competing is combating to be there. You possibly can’t get to Matchday 36 of the championship with out combating to win,” he mentioned (h/t ).
Speaking about how Barça have carried out past expectations, he added, “Nevertheless it exceeded expectations somewhat, as a result of we competed in opposition to a robust Actual Madrid, and resulting from one small element, we’re not in a Champions League closing.
“Competing for all the pieces, we received the Tremendous Cup, the Copa del Rey… That was our concept, that is the way in which ahead.”
Deco on Lamine Yamal
Deco went on to speak about Lamine Yamal and his renewal at Barcelona, with the participant’s present contract expiring in the summertime of 2026.
Deco is assured Yamal will renew his contract at Barcelona (Picture by Alex Caparros/Getty Photos)
The Brazilian sounded relatively optimistic, stating, “The gamers should be pleased the place they’re. I don’t see a greater place for them. The child grew up right here, he’s from right here. This era has the prospect to make historical past.
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“Placing myself in his footwear, I’d wish to be right here, to be a part of it. I don’t see there being any issues (with Lamine ), particularly since he has a contract. The membership, inside what it must create for him, will find yourself renewing,”
Deco on new signings
Deco additionally addressed questions concerning Barcelona’s squad-building heading into the brand new season.
In response, the sporting director sounded fairly positive about what Barcelona have to do within the coming summer season. He additionally admitted that nobody within the group desires to depart proper now.
“I don’t suppose this group, given its dynamic and pleasure, has anybody prepared to depart. We’ve already renewed many of the contracts, now now we have to maintain those that are right here. Final 12 months, I mentioned we couldn’t lose anybody. I feel it’s the identical now,” he mentioned.
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“If we are able to enhance, it’s all the time attainable, however the secret’s to maintain what now we have consolidated for the approaching years,” he added.
Extra importantly, Deco admitted that Barcelona want extra gamers within the attacking unit, who can ideally compete with Yamal and Raphinha.
“Abruptly, we really feel very depending on Raphinha, on Lamine. Possibly we want related gamers, an answer for them. The squad is kind of balanced, and on the base we even have a variety of good issues,” he mentioned.
Deco on response after UCL exit
Lastly, Deco was requested about how the Barcelona group responded after the heartbreaking exit from the UEFA Champions League.
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“This job of mine is comparatively new. I’ve by no means been in a position to take care of defeat; it hurts loads. And the day it doesn’t damage anymore is since you’re already lifeless, you don’t really feel it anymore. The great factor was having an amazing sport afterwards,” he mentioned.
Barcelona certainly reacted in one of the simplest ways attainable, securing a 4-3 victory that put them .
“I feel this sport was necessary for the group, however what I believed was most sensible was the way in which the gamers reacted.
“Everybody was upset, everybody was pissed off, however the youngsters mentioned ‘we’ll be again.’ That’s nice. It’s an indication that it hurts, it hurts, however they’re prepared. That’s what provides them hope, that’s the trail,” he concluded.
