Barcelona sporting director Deco has shrugged off criticism of first-team coach Hansi Flick after the midweek Champions League draw with Club Brugge.
The German coach’s high line has come in for more criticism
after the team shipped three goals in Belgium, while earlier in the week there was a spurious report that claimed Flick wants to leave at the end of the season.
Deco was asked about the current situation at the opening of the renovated Camp Nou and says Flick can overcome the team’s current issues.
“The issue of discussing style is irrelevant. We already know perfectly well where we can improve and the difficulties we face,” he told Mundo Deportivo.
“Last season we also went through some tough times and we were able to overcome them. By getting players back to full fitness and regaining our form, by staying united and working hard… That’s what we have to do. We did it last season and we’re going to do the same this season. Nothing can change things except hard work and dedication.”
Deco also said that Lamine Yamal is recovering well from his injury issues after seeing the teenager score a great goal against Club Brugge in midweek.
“We are happy that when players get injured they can return to their best level: it is important that they try to be at 100%,” he added.
“Lamine has an injury that conditions him at times, but we are working well and the recovery is also going well. He is 18 years old, he is very young and what he likes most is playing football: he needs to recover and reach his best level.”
Flick and Barcelona are now preparing for Sunday’s match against Celta. It promises to be another tricky test for the Catalans, particularly as Celta are on a run of five straight wins in all competitions currently.
