Barcelona sporting director opens up on struggles behind title success – ‘The big challenge was…’ | OneFootball

Barcelona’s sporting director Deco could not hide his delight after the club’s remarkable season, having secured La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup under new manager Hansi Flick.

Speaking after the title celebrations, Deco praised the collective effort that made such success possible, while also reflecting on the journey and the structural work behind the scenes.

“At the beginning of a season, you plan everything, you dream of winning, and the entire team and staff have worked very well,” Deco said. For him, this campaign’s glory wasn’t just about winning trophies, but it was about restoring the identity and pride of Barcelona.

Financial challenges

Deco reflected on a troubling season. (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)

Deco acknowledged that there were difficult moments, especially about financial fair play, but he underlined the unity and quality within the team.

“At a club as big as Barça, you have to fight and push forward. I knew we had potential, that there was quality in this team, and that with a little work, it would come out.

“The team has bonded very well, the locker room is very good, and there’s a very high level of human quality.”

He also took a moment to recognise those who had contributed in previous seasons. “Football at Barça is very tough. Xavi had won the league two years earlier. He was important for the club’s history, but changes happen.

“We knew Flick would give us other things, like management,” he explained. “It’s not just a one-year job. Each player and each director—Xavi, Mateu Alemany, Jordi Cruyff—have left their mark.”

The post-Messi era

Deco emphasised the importance of team bonding. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

One of the most poignant aspects of Deco’s reflection centred on Barcelona’s post-Messi identity. “The big challenge of Barça in recent years was to find a team.

“Since this board came in, the challenge was to take over from the generation of Messi, Xavi, Iniesta and build a new team that could compete.

“We started by signing Lewandowski, Raphinha, and then Dani [Olmo]. There’s always room for improvement, but we’ve achieved it.”

The treble is not only a sporting achievement, but it is also a testament to the rebuilding project that Deco and the board have worked tirelessly on over the past seasons.

Despite off-field struggles, including financial limitations and pressure from fans and media, Barcelona have managed to construct a team that blends youth, experience, and tactical cohesion.

“There’s always room for improvement, but we’ve achieved it. Now it’s time to enjoy the moment, and tomorrow we’ll think about what’s next,” he noted.

Source: Mundo Deportivo