Deco addresses future of Barcelona captain amidst exit talks – ‘It’s the coach’s call’ | OneFootball

In an honest interview with La Vanguardia, Barcelona sporting director Deco opened up about the club’s long-term planning, particularly addressing the future of goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

With Joan Garcia’s recent arrival from Espanyol, questions have emerged regarding Ter Stegen’s status at the club. But Deco made it clear that there are no guaranteed spots in the starting eleven.

“I don’t have to talk to him,” he said.

“My job is to build the best possible team for the coach. From there, it’s the coach’s call. There’s no clause in any contract that guarantees playing time.”

Garcia was not a priority

Deco also clarified that Ter Stegen is not being pushed out, but that Barcelona had to act quickly when the opportunity to sign Joan Garcia came up.

“We had to think about the present and the future. Joan is a young, top-level goalkeeper. He may play now, or maybe not for another year or two, but everyone starts from zero. Nobody has an advantage.”

Marc-Andre ter Stegen is facing an uncertain future at Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

He stressed that the goalkeeper position was not even a top priority this summer. “The goal was not a priority,” he admitted.

“But the market gave us a chance, and if we waited, the cost could have been higher or the player could’ve gone elsewhere. We had to act.”

Taking inspiration from Liverpool

Citing Liverpool’s decision to sign Mamardashvili as cover for Alisson, Deco explained that top clubs plan well in advance. “You must forecast your squad when players are 32 or 33. We followed the same idea.”

On Ter Stegen’s status, Deco offered reassurance but left the door open for natural changes.

“If a footballer really wants to leave, it’s hard to stop them. But that’s not the case right now. I respect Marc, but Joan’s arrival is part of our future planning,” he said.

Lastly, the Barcelona sporting director also confirmed that Wojciech Szczesny will renew his contract with the club.