Hansi Flick supports Deco’s continuation at Barcelona prior to elections.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has expressed his support for Deco to continue as the club’s sporting director prior to the presidential elections scheduled for March.
Victor Font, a presidential candidate who was the runner-up to current president Joan Laporta in 2021, stated this week that he intends to replace Deco if he wins the election.
Nevertheless, Flick endorsed the former Portugal international on Friday, commending the contributions Deco has made since his appointment in 2023.
“I am pleased with the situation regarding Deco,” Flick remarked at a press conference ahead of Saturday’s LaLiga match against Mallorca.
“We share mutual confidence, and we trust and believe in one another.
“We are aligned in our search for players and our philosophy. He allows us to work effectively. This is crucial.
“We have a sense of calm about what we need to accomplish and what is required. I have never experienced this before. I value it greatly.”
Barcelona announced in January that the election for members to select a new club president will take place on March 15.
In addition to Laporta, who is seeking re-election, Font, Marc Ciria, Xavier Vilajoana, and Joan Camprubí have all declared their intention to run for the presidency.
The period leading up to the election will see candidates outlining their plans for the club, which may include proposals regarding signings, changes in the management structure, or initiatives to bring Lionel Messi back in some role.
Font indicated this week that if he is elected, he would replace Deco, although he did not disclose the identity of the potential replacement as they are “under contract” with another club at present.
Deco has served as Barça’s sporting director for over two years, having previously worked as an agent, and has played a key role in assembling the squad that secured LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Supercopa last season.
Barcelona is on track to replicate that success this season. They have already claimed the Supercopa, are leading LaLiga, and on Friday were drawn against Atlético Madrid in the semifinals of the Copa del Rey.
This matchup will be contested over two legs, with Barça visiting Madrid for the first leg next week and the return match set for Spotify Camp Nou at the beginning of March.
Athletic Club and Real Sociedad will face off in the other semifinal in the Basque derby.
The final, as confirmed by the Royal Spanish Football Federation on Friday, will take place in Sevilla at La Cartuja during the weekend of April 18.
