Barcelona director Deco set for key meeting with Hansi Flick today over squad status | OneFootball

Barcelona have only made three signings so far this summer, with Joan Garcia, Roony Bardghji, and Marcus Rashford joining the squad.

There have been several outgoings on the other hand, with the most recent one being that of Inigo Martinez, which has sparked some concerns about the defensive make-up of the team.

After all, Inigo was a key part of the squad that won the domestic treble last season, and his experience, tactical nous, and leadership will be missed.

Deco and Flick to meet to discuss the squad

Now, according to SPORT, Barça sporting director Deco is back in Barcelona after a recent trip to Brazil for personal reasons.

On his return, he is due to meet head coach Hansi Flick in the coming hours to assess the state of the squad just two days before the start of La Liga.

The meeting, scheduled for today, will be an opportunity to exchange views on the team’s performances and, in particular, to consider whether it is necessary to dip into the market for a central defender, following Martinez’s exit.

Hansi Flick will meet with Deco today. (Photo by Paul Miller/Getty Images)

However, such an addition currently looks highly unlikely. The Catalans maintain the view that the squad is complete, although it is natural for the coach and sporting director to remain in regular contact in case a last-minute opportunity arises.

As per the report, these meetings are part of the routine between Deco and Flick. Since the German coach took charge, the pair have maintained fluent and frequent communication, jointly analysing the team’s needs and the development of individual players.

Today’s discussion carries extra weight, not only because it comes less than 48 hours before the league opener, but also as it marks their first in-person exchange after a week in which the club’s sporting chief was away from the city.

Flick currently has the full squad at his disposal except for Robert Lewandowski, whose involvement against Mallorca appears highly unlikely unless there is a marked improvement in his left hamstring discomfort over the next few hours.

Otherwise, preparations are proceeding as normal, with the German coach set to give his first press conference of the season tomorrow before travelling to Mallorca for the opening fixture.