Deco blames Barcelona players over squad building after Atleti loss

Director of Soccer Deco has claimed the Barcelona gamers lacked depth throughout their heavy defeat to Atletico Madrid within the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final on Thursday evening. It’s their worst outcome in opposition to Atletico since 1960, 86 years in the past.

The Blaugrana have been demolished by Atletico within the first half, going into the break with a four-goal deficit, and within the second half have been unable to get again into the sport. Hansi Flick admitted his aspect have been ‘taught a lesson’ within the first half, however famous that he hoped it had come on the proper time. Extra typically he stated he was pleased with how his aspect had handled accidents this season total, whereas Eric Garcia and Frenkie de Jong lamented a collection of errors within the first half.

Deco claims Atletico had extra depth than Barcelona

Talking after the sport to TV3 (by way of Sport), Deco famous that Atletico Madrid outmatched the Blaugrana when it comes to depth.

“The primary half was robust. They have been significantly better than us. Extra depth, extra aggressive within the challenges. It’s true that the pitch wasn’t nice, however that’s not an excuse. We weren’t good.”

🎙️ Deco exhibits his face after the defeat:

🔸 “The primary half was robust” 🔸 “I’ve by no means seen it take 10 minutes for an offside” 🔸 “This crew has proven they will come again” #LaCopa3Cat

▶️ https://t.co/hDAc9KjiUQ pic.twitter.com/biCF9RjgZH

— Esport3 (@esport3) February 12, 2026

“Within the second half, we improved, we have been extra aggressive, we gained extra duels, and even had the prospect to attain. I don’t know if with the VAR, however there’s no excuses.”

‘It’s not concerning the gamers we don’t have’ – Deco

Deco was requested about how the absences had affected Barcelona, and whether or not the return of gamers equivalent to Gavi, Pedri or Raphinha might assist them make a comeback within the second leg.

“At present it wasn’t a query of what we did or didn’t have. It was a query of depth. We knew Atletico had a crew with nice gamers, they’ve improved with their winter signings, and we didn’t strategy the primary half as we should always have. I feel we’re going to be higher. Once you get gamers again, it’s higher.”

Deco shifts focus to La Liga

Flick famous after the match, as did Eric Garcia, that they felt they might carry out a comeback within the second leg. Deco was eager to shift the eye to their La Liga duties.

“Barca have proven many instances that there have been spectacular comebacks on the Camp Nou. It is going to be tough, however not unimaginable. The chance to strive, enjoying at residence, on a greater pitch, enjoying our type, scoring targets, and making an attempt to attain.”

🚨 Frenkie de Jong: “Within the offside picture we do not see the contact with the ball, when Fermín López shoots. Later there’s one other picture and it is clearly seen that the defender is one meter behind Robert Lewandowski. Very unusual, a scandal…” pic.twitter.com/eHm0TusjmJ

— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) February 13, 2026

“Now we have to concentrate on the league; that’s crucial factor. One other robust match on Monday. If we play with the mandatory depth, we are able to win, but when we play like we did at present, it’ll be tough.”

Barcelona are subsequent in motion in opposition to Girona at Montilivi on Monday evening, with Actual Madrid having the prospect to drop the Blaugrana into second spot on Saturday evening. Los Blancos are only a level behind, and Flick may have simply three days to work out options tactically, and heal his aspect emotionally.