Barcelona director talks Julian Alvarez, Flick, Raphinha, Lewandowski, Eric, Gerard Martin

Earlier as we speak, FC Barcelona sporting director Deco took half in a charity match in Castelldefels in help of deprived youngsters.

Following the occasion, the previous Portuguese midfielder spoke to the media briefly, the place he addressed a number of matters, together with the Blaugrana’s reported curiosity in Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez.

“He’s an Atletico participant. We received’t discuss gamers from different groups, as a result of after we do, some individuals get upset. We’ve to speak about our personal,” he mentioned, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

On being requested in regards to the possibilities of Barcelona repeating a golden period with the present squad and having fun with a interval of sustained success, Deco defined:

“Barça must be ready to compete yearly. We definitely received’t win yearly as a result of historical past exhibits that, however we will by no means hand over on competing, and the great factor is that this staff is proving it could compete towards a Actual Madrid facet that’s strengthening its squad.”

Moreover, he was much more optimistic now that almost all injured gamers have returned.

“For the reason that starting of the yr, we’ve virtually by no means had the forwards obtainable; final yr, all of the forwards have been obtainable, however now that we’ve recovered them, the staff is doing higher.”

On the significance of Raphinha, Deco, who represented the Brazilian on the time he signed for Barça, mentioned:

“Raphinha is a crucial participant, he conjures up the staff, he has earned the respect of the individuals, he has received over the coach, and he’s a elementary participant.”

The Barcelona director additionally didn’t rule out extending Robert Lewandowski’s contract, which expires on the finish of the season, saying:

“If Robert may return in time… he’s a incredible participant. Final yr, he scored probably the most objectives, and this yr, even whereas injured, he’s one of many high scorers. But it surely’s not the time to speak about this; all the things continues to be open.”

Deco was additionally stuffed with reward for Eric Garcia, whose renewal till 2031 was introduced earlier as we speak, as he mentioned:

“For me, Eric’s renewal is nice information. He’s been an instance of turning his scenario round; he’s younger, solely 24, he has loads forward of him, he contributes loads within the dressing room, and he by no means complains about the place he performs.”

The Barcelona director additionally highlighted Gerard Martin’s contribution at centre-back in latest video games, however didn’t fully rule out a January signing in defence.

“This squad has already shocked us; there are gamers who’re bettering, like Eric, who now even performs as a defensive midfielder. He’s an entire participant.

“Gerard is giving us loads at centre-back. We’re not targeted on that proper now as a result of I believe we’ve a well-balanced squad, however we don’t know what may occur.”

Deco additionally downplayed the eye on Hansi Flick after the Alaves match, whereby a picture of the German tactician sitting on the bench trying dejected had gone viral.

“His dream was to be right here, Barça is a troublesome membership, he’s a really emotional, very human particular person, and he likes to have all the things underneath management,” mentioned Deco.

Concluding, the Barcelona director named his favourites for the FIFA World Cup subsequent yr, saying:

“Favorites: Portugal, Spain, Brazil is consolidating its place, France, and, oops, sorry, Leo, Argentina too.”