Sporting Director Deco in danger of losing decision-making power at Barcelona

Barcelona Sporting Director Deco arrived at the club last summer with plenty of scepticism, and now that scepticism has spread internally in Can Barca. In his first job as a sporting director, Deco’s earlier work has not impressed.

Of the summer signings last season, Ilkay Gundogan and Inigo Martinez were already signed by the time Deco began working, while Oriol Romeu was a special request from manager Xavi Hernandez.

However Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix were loan deals that Deco prioritised, and neither have impressed. Cancelo for the most part has performed well this season and Xavi has always used him as a starter. He has exhibited his offensive talents with four goals and four assists, but two mistakes against Paris Saint-Germain and three against Real Madrid – playing a role in 5 of the 7 goals Barcelona conceded – saw mistakes from the Portuguese. Those in turn had a hand in the effective end of Barcelona’s season.

Meanwhile Joao Felix, his compatriot, has had a less than impressive campaign. Excepting performances against Real Betis, Royal Antwerp and Atletico Madrid, Felix has largely gone missing this season, and was relegated to a bench role in January by Xavi.

The same month, Vitor Roque arrived in January, six months ahead of time. The 19-year-old Brazilian striker cost the Blaugrana €30m plus €31m during a period of austerity, but has barely featured so far either, making it three signings that have been relatively unimpressive.

Deco has reportedly been advocating for Barcelona to move on from Xavi this summer, and instead trust Rafael Marquez with the first team job. Diario AS say that he has been losing credit at the club as a result of his work in the market though, and if Xavi does continue, it would be a further blow to his standing in the club, essentially making it clear that his voice carries little weight in the decision-making process.  Simultaneously, it would confirm that Laporta has little consideration for anyone’s else’s input.

The post Sporting Director Deco in danger of losing decision-making power at Barcelona appeared first on Football España.