Deco backs 'intelligent' Yamal as Barça sporting director's future tied to Laporta
Barcelona's sporting director Deco opens up about Lamine Yamal's development, squad management, and his own future at the club in candid interview.
Barcelona’s sporting director Deco has made it clear his future at the club is tied to president Joan Laporta, while heaping praise on teenage sensation Lamine Yamal for his intelligence and rapid development.
The former Portugal international opened up about the club’s current state in a wide-ranging interview with Sport, addressing everything from squad management to election politics.
Yamal’s intelligence sets him apart
Deco reserved special praise for 16-year-old wonderkid Lamine Yamal, who he believes possesses qualities beyond his years:
“Lamine has an advantage over others: he’s very intelligent,” Deco explained, highlighting how the youngster has handled his first significant injury and continues to mature rapidly despite his tender age.
The sporting director believes Yamal’s ability to absorb information and learn from experiences is exceptional, noting how last season’s breakthroughs are now helping him develop further.
Club in better shape despite challenges
Despite a difficult start to the season with multiple defensive injuries, Deco believes Barcelona are now in a stronger position:
- Team has improved defensively and in attack since early season struggles
- Players like Raphinha, Ferran Torres and Yamal have overcome fitness issues
- Squad finding better balance between youth and experience
Flick appointment and squad management
Deco explained that Hansi Flick’s appointment came down to needing someone who could manage Barcelona’s unique dressing room dynamics:
“We needed a manager capable of bringing some calm to the dressing room management, especially regarding the different age groups,” he said, pointing to Barça’s mix of very young talents, players in their prime, and veterans over 30.
Election politics and personal future
With Barcelona’s presidential elections looming, Deco addressed his own position after potential candidate Víctor Font publicly rejected including him in future plans:
“I came because I believe in Jan’s project, which was about reconstruction and now consolidation. If Jan isn’t here, things will change and I won’t continue,” Deco stated firmly, making it crystal clear his loyalty lies with Laporta.
The sporting director praised Laporta’s football knowledge, comparing him to Porto legend Pinto Da Costa and emphasizing the president’s experience with legendary Barça figures from Ronaldinho to Messi.
As Barcelona sit just a point behind Real Madrid in La Liga, Deco echoed Flick’s philosophy that the title race will be won by “whoever fails least” and emphasized the importance of resilience through a long campaign.