Barcelona sporting director Deco, in an interview with SPORT, discussed several key issues at the club: the team’s recent improvement, transfer decisions and work behind the scenes. The piece was published on 11/02/2026 by Swapnil Bhopakar (photo credit David Ramos/Getty Images).
Deco said the side has steadied its season after a difficult stretch and noted that since the loss to Chelsea the team has accumulated 17 wins and just one defeat. He linked the turnaround to resolving balance problems within the squad that emerged after injuries and incoming signings.
He explained that the club needed to find the right balance: injuries to key figures and the arrival of new players changed the available combinations. Deco highlighted that Eric provided a lot by playing in different positions, and that the arrival of players such as Rashford and Rooney required further adjustments. In the end, the team found its best form even while missing players like Pedri and Raphinha.
Deco mentioned tactical experiments too, such as deploying two attacking midfielders together — Fermin and Dani — which is hard to manage but the team has worked through those challenges and improved cohesion among players.
On the La Liga title race Deco stressed how tight the competition is and referred to the small margin to Real Madrid. He emphasised that the championship is a long contest where consistency and making fewer mistakes matter most; Barcelona are doing well but there is still a long way to go.
Deco defended the appointment of head coach Hansi Flick, saying experience in managing dressing rooms with many senior players was a decisive factor. He pointed to the presence of established figures over 30 such as Robert Lewandowski, Marc‑André ter Stegen and Wojciech Szczesny, and underlined the need for a coach who has many years of experience working with players and locker rooms.
Regarding the goalkeeping situation, Deco described why the club acted quickly after Ter Stegen’s injury and why Joan García was signed from Espanyol. When Marc first injured his back, only Iñaki Peña remained available, so Barcelona explored several options on the market. He also recalled last season’s opportunity to bring in Szczesny — a move that came under special circumstances because he still had a year left on his Juventus contract — but the recent events made the club rethink its goalkeeper plans more seriously.
Deco said the club has given the captain space during a difficult period: they have been speaking with his agents, Marc underwent surgery on Friday, and Deco has not yet had a personal conversation as this is not the right time. He stressed that the club hopes for Marc’s recovery and at the same time needed other solutions.
On Szczesny, Deco highlighted the goalkeeper’s importance beyond on-field duties: his personality, leadership and positive influence help dressing‑room dynamics. He pointed out that experienced players often do not accept being left out easily, but Szczesny contributes in many ways — his experience and attitude are valuable to the squad.
Speaking about Eric García, Deco praised the defender for turning public opinion in his favour — an achievement that demonstrates mental strength. At 24 or 25 years old, Deco believes Eric still has room to improve and will continue to grow.
On Ronald Araujo, Deco emphasised the importance of recognising mental‑health struggles and asking for help. He commended Araujo for having the courage to admit he was not okay and to take steps to address the issue, describing that as a crucial and admirable action.
Deco explained the rationale for bringing Joao Cancelo back in the winter window: his versatility and familiarity with the club made the move logical. Cancelo can operate as a right‑back, left‑back or even as a wide attacker; he knows Barcelona, has experience at the top level and thus raised the squad’s quality. Deco added that the market did not offer better centre‑back options than the players already at home, so signing someone merely to add numbers made little sense.
About young midfielder Marc Bernal, Deco urged patience and avoided direct comparisons with Sergio Busquets, whom he regards as an exceptional number 6. He stressed that it is too early to consider Bernal an automatic starter: the player is still developing and the team will rely on important, proven figures when needed.
Finally, Deco spoke about Fermín López’s new contract, underlining the midfielder’s hard work and determination to earn his place. Fermín developed later than some peers, had to sacrifice and fight for opportunities, and although offers came for him last summer none matched the club’s valuation. Barcelona chose not to sell and judged that now was the best time to renew his deal.
Throughout his comments Deco reiterated that Barcelona are making measured decisions: analysing the market, respecting squad dynamics and seeking solutions that strengthen the team both on the pitch and inside the dressing room.
