Hansi Flick Supports Deco Amid Upcoming Barcelona Presidential Elections

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has publicly endorsed Deco, the club’s sporting director, as the organization approaches its presidential elections slated for March.

Victor Font, a candidate who previously finished second to the current president, Joan Laporta, in 2021, recently indicated that he would seek to replace Deco if elected. Nonetheless, Flick reaffirmed his faith in Deco during a press conference prior to Saturday’s LaLiga match against Mallorca.

“I am pleased with the situation regarding Deco,” Flick stated. “There is mutual confidence and trust between us. We share a common vision in terms of player selection and philosophy. He allows us the freedom to work, which is crucial. We have a calm understanding of our objectives, something I have not experienced before, and I deeply appreciate it.”

Barcelona announced that the election for a new club president will take place on March 15. In addition to Laporta, candidates Font, Marc Ciria, Xavier Vilajoana, and Joan Camprubí have declared their intentions to run.

The period leading up to the election will see candidates unveiling their plans, which may include proposals regarding player signings, structural changes, or even initiatives to bring Lionel Messi back to the club in some capacity.

Font reiterated his plan to replace Deco if elected, although he withheld specifics about his potential successor, stating that they are “under contract” with another club.

Deco has served as Barcelona’s sporting director for over two years, following a successful career as an agent. His contributions have been instrumental in assembling the squad that clinched LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Supercopa last season.

Barcelona is on track to replicate that success this year, having already secured the Supercopa and currently leading LaLiga. On Friday, they were drawn against Atlético Madrid in the semifinals of the Copa del Rey.

This semifinal match will be contested over two legs, with Barcelona traveling to Madrid for the first leg next week, while the return match will take place at Spotify Camp Nou at the beginning of March.

In the other semifinal, Athletic Club will face Real Sociedad in a Basque derby. The final, as confirmed by the Royal Spanish Football Federation on Friday, is scheduled to occur in Sevilla at La Cartuja during the weekend of April 18.