Deco explains why Barcelona pushed hard to sign Joao Cancelo: ‘We made the effort because…’ | OneFootball

Barcelona sporting director Deco was one of the key figures celebrating after Joan Laporta secured a decisive victory in the club’s presidential elections. 

Having worked closely with Laporta for several years, Deco had always made it clear that he would stand by the president during the electoral process.

Laporta’s commanding win over rival Victor Font confirmed the strong backing the current leadership enjoys among Barcelona members. 

Opening up to the criticism

Despite the positive atmosphere following the election and Barcelona’s 5-2 victory over Sevilla, the sporting director avoided engaging with critics who had previously questioned some of his transfer decisions. 

Ironically, three of the players who have been signed under him, Raphinha, Dani Olmo and Joao Cancelo, all found the net during the victory against Sevilla.

“We have made efforts to sign Cancelo because he has shown time and time again that he’s a crazy Barça fan.

“That is a rare feeling nowadays in plays, and we are trying to bring it back,” he told Jijantes.

Despite the success of several recent signings, he refused to take personal credit for the club’s transfer business.

“I didn’t bring anyone in; I just try to do my best. I don’t like these accolades; the club is what matters.”

Cancelo scored a brilliant goal. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Deco also commented on the impressive performance of young defender Xavi Espart, who made his first start at Spotify Camp Nou after recently making his senior debut.

“No matter how used to it they are, a debut is tough. Xavi Espart is a player who can contribute a lot to our team.”

A little joke

When asked about Barcelona’s financial situation and whether the club will be able to sign and register new players without complications, Deco chose his words carefully.

“Today was an important and decisive day for the club. From now on, we have to analyse what will be done in the future.

“If you ask me about Julian Alavrez or Erling Haaland? Yeah, I’ll spill the beans,” he joked.

On Xavi and Laporta

The sporting director also declined to be drawn into comments made by former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez regarding issues involving Lionel Messi and Alejandro Echeverria.

“Xavi is a great friend. He was a teammate. We’ve won a lot together, and I have a lot of respect for him. He’s a Barça man, and he’s free to express his views. That’s democracy,” he said.

Lastly, Deco highlighted what he believes is one of the biggest strengths within the club at the moment, which is “Laporta’s rapport with the first-team squad.

“It’s a generation that identifies strongly with the club; that’s normal,” he concluded.