Deco talks Lamine, Raphinha, Champions League exit, La Liga, renewals, new signings | OneFootball

Just days after Barcelona’s win over Real Madrid, the club’s sporting director, Deco, sat down with ESPN to talk about the club’s potential signings in the coming summer.

Deco also talked about the likes of Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, even hinting that the team may require reinforcements in the attacking unit.

Deco on Barcelona exceeding expectations

First and foremost, though, Deco was asked about Barcelona’s season so far, with the Catalans on the verge of sealing a double this week.

Deco admitted that Barcelona have indeed exceeded expectations that were set at the start of the season.

“My idea at the beginning of the season, with the changes we made, was to compete. Competing is fighting to be there. You can’t get to Matchday 36 of the championship without fighting to win,” he said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).

Talking about how Barça have performed beyond expectations, he added, “But it exceeded expectations a little, because we competed against a strong Real Madrid, and due to one small detail, we are not in a Champions League final.

“Competing for everything, we won the Super Cup, the Copa del Rey… That was our idea, this is the way forward.”

Deco on Lamine Yamal

Deco went on to talk about Lamine Yamal and his renewal at Barcelona, with the player’s current contract expiring in the summer of 2026.

Deco is confident Yamal will renew his contract at Barcelona (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The Brazilian sounded rather optimistic, stating, “The players have to be happy where they are. I don’t see a better place for them. The kid grew up here, he’s from here. This generation has the chance to make history.

“Putting myself in his shoes, I would want to be here, to be part of it. I don’t see there being any problems (with Lamine ), especially since he has a contract. The club, within what it needs to create for him, will end up renewing,”

Deco on new signings

Deco also addressed questions regarding Barcelona’s squad-building heading into the new season.

In response, the sporting director sounded quite sure about what Barcelona need to do in the coming summer. He also admitted that no one in the team wants to leave right now.

“I don’t think this team, given its dynamic and joy, has anyone willing to leave. We’ve already renewed most of the contracts, now we have to take care of those who are here. Last year, I said we couldn’t lose anyone. I think it’s the same now,” he said.

“If we can improve, it’s always possible, but the key is to keep what we have consolidated for the coming years,” he added.

More importantly, Deco admitted that Barcelona need more players in the attacking unit, who can ideally compete with Yamal and Raphinha.

“Suddenly, we feel very dependent on Raphinha, on Lamine. Maybe we need similar players, a solution for them. The squad is quite balanced, and at the base we also have a lot of good things,” he said.

Deco on reaction after UCL exit

Finally, Deco was asked about how the Barcelona team responded after the heartbreaking exit from the UEFA Champions League.

“This job of mine is relatively new. I’ve never been able to deal with defeat; it hurts a lot. And the day it doesn’t hurt anymore is because you’re already dead, you don’t feel it anymore. The good thing was having a great game afterwards,” he said.

Barcelona indeed reacted in the best way possible, securing a 4-3 victory that put them a step close to securing the league title.

“I think this game was important for the team, but what I thought was most brilliant was the way the players reacted.

“Everyone was upset, everyone was pissed off, but the kids said ‘we’ll be back.’ That’s great. It’s a sign that it hurts, it hurts, but they’re ready. That’s what gives them hope, that’s the path,” he concluded.