Deco talks Ter Stegen, Szczesny, Eric, Araujo, Cancelo, Bernal, Fermin, Flick | OneFootball

Barcelona sporting director Deco has opened up on several key topics at the club, offering insight into the team’s recent form, transfer decisions and the work being done behind the scenes. 

Speaking to SPORT, the former midfielder reflected on how Barcelona have stabilised their season after a difficult spell.

Barcelona’s form has been impressive since the defeat to Chelsea, with the team collecting 17 wins and just one loss. 

Deco explained that the improvement came from solving balance issues inside the squad, especially after injuries and new arrivals.

“This year, we had to find a bit of balance. Ronald got injured, and then he had the problem he had.

“Eric has given us a lot, but in different positions. The team had to find all those balances. Rashford had just arrived, as had Roony.

“This means that the team has to keep looking for an adjustment, like all teams. In the end, we found it, and we are now at a point where the players know each other, and the team has found its best form.

“Of course, we miss players like Pedri and Raphinha, but the team is capable of finding solutions.

“We’re playing some games with two attacking midfielders, with Fermín and Dani, which isn’t easy to balance, but we’ve been able to overcome several things we’ve had to deal with,” he began.

La Liga title race and Flick’s appointment

Deco admitted the La Liga race is tight. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

With the La Liga title race extremely tight, Deco also spoke about the small gap between Barcelona and Real Madrid and the importance of consistency.

“La Liga is a long race, it’s about who makes the fewest mistakes, who is capable of keeping up this pace. I think we’re doing well, but there’s still a long way to go.

“The important thing is what I said, that the team is in good form, but we have to be aware that we still have a long way to go, there’s a lot of the league left.”

Deco also praised head coach Hansi Flick, stressing that experience in the dressing room was a major reason behind the appointment.

“We’ve always had a very unique dressing room. Now it’s becoming more balanced.

“From the age of 30 onwards, we have Robert [Lewandowski], Marc [Andre ter Stegen], and I think [Wojciech] Szczesny too. Managing a dressing room like this is very important.

“That’s why we believe the key was to have an experienced coach, and in this case, one with a lot of experience in important dressing rooms.

“He has been coaching for many years and has spent more than 30 years working with dressing rooms and dealing with players. That was, in a way, the main idea.”

On the goalkeeping situation

On the goalkeeping situation, Deco explained why the club moved quickly in the market after Ter Stegen’s injury and how Joan Garcia was signed from Espanyol.

“When Marc first injured his back, we only had Inaki [Pena]. We didn’t have a second goalkeeper. We started working on several fronts: looking at the market.

“Last season, we were lucky to find Szczesny in a special situation. Many people say he was retired, but the reality is that he had one more year on his contract with Juventus.

“Even so, you are not always lucky enough to find an opportunity like that. That’s why, after all this, we understood that we had to rethink our goalkeeping plans seriously. 

“We hope and wish for Marc’s recovery, but we needed other solutions.”

Speaking about Ter Stegen’s situation, Deco admitted the club has given the captain space during a difficult time.

“I haven’t spoken to him personally because I’ve been talking to his agents. He had surgery on Friday and we haven’t had time to talk yet. 

“Besides, I completely understand that he doesn’t feel like talking to anyone right now: it’s a tough and very difficult time.”

Deco also highlighted the importance of Szczesny in the dressing room, not just on the pitch but also in terms of personality and leadership.

“No player accepts not playing; everyone wants to play. No one says no. In his case, rather than accepting, I think it’s a question of experience. He’s been through a lot in football.

“I think Szczesny is key to the dressing room, both for what he has contributed and what he continues to contribute.

“He’s a goalkeeper and a person who contributes a lot in every way: he’s fun, cheerful, always positive, and always smiling. And that’s key to having good dynamics and a good atmosphere in the dressing room.”

On Eric Garcia and Araujo

Deco has praised Ronald Araujo. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The sporting director also spoke about Eric Garcia’s development, praising the defender’s mentality after winning back public support.

“What Eric has done is something we’ve seen many times in football: players who turn public opinion around. The thing is, at Barça, that’s not usually so common. 

“For me, that’s something very few players can do, and it shows a different kind of mental strength. 

“I think he has still grown and will continue to grow, because he is 24 or 25 years old and at an age where he still has room for improvement.”

When asked about Ronald Araujo’s situation, Deco focused on the importance of acknowledging mental health struggles and seeking help.

“Perhaps in the past, people didn’t talk about these things. I think we’ve all gone through difficult times in our lives, each in our own way.

“In Ronald’s case, I think it’s important to emphasise that when a person has a problem, a mental health issue, or is going through a difficult time, acknowledging it, asking for help, and making a decision is already half the battle. 

“Most people don’t have that ability. That’s why, for me, I take my hat off to him: he had the courage to say, “I’m not okay, I need help, and I’m going to fix this.” 

“That’s the most important thing.”

On Cancelo, Bernal and Fermin

Deco also explained the logic behind bringing back Joao Cancelo in the winter window, pointing to his versatility and familiarity with the club.

“With Joao, we believed we were really improving the level of the squad. 

Deco has explained Cancelo’s signing. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“If we could use that fair play to raise the level with a player who can play right back, left back, even winger; who knows the club, who feels Barça, who has experience and is a top-level player, then it made sense.

“We analysed the market and couldn’t find any centre-backs better than what we already have at home. It didn’t make sense to sign someone just to add another number to the squad.”

On young midfielder Marc Bernal, Deco urged patience and avoided direct comparisons with Sergio Busquets.

“It’s too early to say. For me, Busi is something else. I’ve always said that Busi is the best number 6 in history and one of the best midfielders I’ve ever seen. I think he’s a very talented player.”

He also made it clear that Bernal should not yet be considered an automatic starter.

“No, it’s too early to say he’s a starter. More than a starter, I think this team needs important players when you need them.”

Finally, Deco spoke about Fermin Lopez’s renewal, praising the midfielder’s hard work and determination to earn his place.

“Fermin has had to fight hard. He developed later than the others. He is a player who has had to make sacrifices and fight for his place with his determination. 

“Fermin has been able to improve many aspects of his game and raise his level of play.

“Last summer, there was an offer for him, but we didn’t want to sell, and it wasn’t an offer that matched his value. 

“Clubs are free to make offers, but it wasn’t our intention to sell any important players. We believed that now was the best time to renew his contract,” he noted.