Barcelona director Deco rules out January signings – ‘We are happy with the squad’

FC Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, could not hide his enthusiasm about the team’s full return to the Spotify Camp Nou today.

Speaking ahead of the game against Athletic Club, the Portuguese executive admitted that “the open training session was fun, but the match is different, it has another dimension.”

He added: “We are happy to be here, it is special, also for the coach, who has never been here, but the important thing is that we also win the three points. The stadium is more impressive than before”.

Five of the nine players in the Barcelona squad who had never played a match at the Spotify Camp Nou are starting against Athletic Club.

Touching on that: “They are players who have been at the highest level for several years, and although the Spotify Camp Nou is impressive, once the match starts they will be focused on the game.”

He added: “The first thing is to thank the people who supported us at Montjuïc, where we won a league.”

Meanwhile, when asked about the possibility of reinforcing the squad with a centre-back in the next transfer window, following Inigo Martinez’s departure last summer, Deco ruled out any signings, saying:

“Inigo helped us a lot. The point is not to miss Inigo. For the moment, we are not thinking about reinforcing. We are happy with the squad. We want the best players to return so we can have the most competitive squad possible.”

Deco also spoke about avoiding further clashes with the Spanish national team after the recent controversy involving Lamine Yamal.

“There is no problem. Barça need the national team and the national team need Barça. I have spoken with Karanka, there is good communication, maybe it did not come at the desired moment,” he said.

Regarding relations with Athletic Club, after the second attempt to sign Nico Williams last summer, Deco said:

“These are things that happen in football. It was discussed a lot and explained. When you have important players, this happens, and it also happens to Athletic. We did nothing illegal, the agents are also doing their job.”

If Barça take all three points, they will put pressure on league leaders Real Madrid, as they will move into first place in La Liga while waiting for the Merengues’ match on Sunday in Elche.

“At the start of the season we had many injuries, but we are fighting, three points behind Madrid,” said Deco about the title race.

“They have strengthened, they have a new coach, and Atletico have also strengthened. There are more contenders, but the important thing is that we are in good shape.”

Finally, Deco reflected on his time as a player at the Camp Nou, saying: “My time at Barça was spectacular because we won important titles and big matches. We were coming from years without winning trophies and that stays with you.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo