Barcelona’s Deco Takes Active Role in Revitalizing Team Amid Concerns Over Form

In a bid to address the prolonged period of disappointing form and aimless play that has plagued Barcelona, Sporting Director Deco has been tasked with implementing measures to rejuvenate the team. Reports from Catalunya Radio on Thursday reveal that President Joan Laporta and Deco have jointly decided to elevate Deco’s involvement, positioning him as a supportive figure for manager Xavi Hernandez and fostering a closer working relationship with him.

Concerns over the team’s current state have prompted this strategic move, as highlighted by Catalunya Radio’s report. Shedding more light on the situation, Joan Fontes discloses that Deco is actively seeking ways to uplift the team, particularly by demanding ‘much more’ from senior star Ilkay Gundogan and applying more pressure on him. Despite not performing poorly, Gundogan has fallen short of expectations, and Xavi perceives a need for greater leadership from the seasoned player.

Fontes further suggests that Xavi believes Gundogan’s performance may be influenced by the sentiments of fellow German-speaker Robert Lewandowski, who appears to be losing faith in the Catalan coach. Previous reports from Bar Canaletes last month indicated dissatisfaction among senior figures within the dressing room regarding life under Xavi this season, with doubts cast on his managerial capabilities. This sentiment aligns with observations of basic errors being committed by senior players within the Blaugrana side on a consistent basis.