Deco talks Laporta, De Jong injury, Julian Alvarez, Atletico Madrid clash – ‘Haven’t spoken to any clubs or players’ | OneFootball

Earlier today, Deco, sporting director of FC Barcelona, went to the campaign headquarters of Joan Laporta alongside Bojan Krkic, his right-hand man, to publicly show his support for the pre-candidate and former Barça president.

With the presidential elections coming up on 15 March, Deco and Bojan visited to sign their support for Laporta’s pre-candidacy.

On Laporta and elections

Speaking to the media at the location, Deco made it clear that his presence was a personal decision.

“I’m a member and I have the right to vote, to give my signature to whoever I want, like everyone else. It’s a democratic club and people can vote and give their signature. I’m here as a member,” he stated.

The sporting director also recalled his historical bond with Laporta and with Barcelona itself, saying:

“He was my president during a glorious era of Barça, and I’ve been a Barça fan since the 90s, with the Dream Team. I wasn’t a member back then, but I am now, and I feel like one more supporter, one more Cule. I support who I believe is the best for the club.”

With the March 15 elections approaching, Deco insisted on separating his personal backing from the club’s day-to-day sporting management.

“It’s not the moment to talk about sporting matters. I believe in Jan’s project and I left quite a few things to come here. It’s time to consolidate things, but what matters now is the team. I hope things go well and that we can continue with the project,” he said.

On De Jong’s injury

Injured. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The Barcelona sporting director also spoke about the injury sustained by Frenkie de Jong earlier today, which will sideline him for five to six weeks.

“The truth is it has been a surprise. It can happen because we train hard and well, but the timing isn’t good to have any injury – and especially not Frenkie, who is at a very high level and we will definitely miss him,” said Deco.

He also emphasised the emotional impact of the injury, saying: “Everyone wants to be available at this very important moment of the season, but we’ll have to overcome it as we’ve overcome other injuries.”

On Atletico Madrid clash and Julian Alvarez interest

Even though Barcelona face Villarreal in La Liga this weekend, all eyes are already on next week’s clash against Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal.

Having lost the first leg 4-0 at the Metropolitano, Barcelona are hoping to mount a stunning comeback at the Spotify Camp Nou next week. And Deco was confident that the team could pull it off.

“There are reasons to believe in the comeback, although the result is tough and we have to accept it. The team has already shown it can overcome difficult moments,” he said.

At the same time, the Barça director also addressed the transfer interest in Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, saying:

“We haven’t spoken to any clubs or players. Even if we like one or the other, now is not the time. We’re happy with the team we have. There are many players we like.”

Source: SPORT