After Barcelona defeated Al Ahly 2-1 in the Joan Gamper Trophy, Barcelona's football director Deco was interviewed by TV3.

What can Rodri bring to the team?

Deco: I want to say that we are very pleased with every new player. I think all the signings we have made were targeted acquisitions. Before recruiting any player, we consider it carefully, discuss and communicate fully internally, and only make the decision after all preparations are complete. Indeed, Rodri was not originally in our plans because we didn't expect he would enter the transfer market. However, when we saw the opportunity to sign him, we acted. We are very confident that he can make a significant contribution to us. From Gundogan, Adeyemi, Rodri to Cancelo, as well as the contract extensions we have completed, each operation has clear meaning. Because we want to have a better team every year and continue to improve. I think the team can always develop, and I'm confident that João will greatly strengthen our squad.

Is signing Rodri considered a statement of intent against Real Madrid this season?

Deco: No, to be honest, no. There is always competition between the two clubs, but we don't sign players just to take them from our rivals. I think it's a mistake to make a transfer with that objective. In the end, Rodri is one of the best players in the world. A few months ago, we didn't even know this would be possible, and before that, we hadn't considered this option at all. We're not competing just to beat Real Madrid, not at all. We simply know exactly what he can bring to the team, and that's why we decided to sign him. Otherwise, this transfer wouldn't mean anything.

Will there be another surprise, like with Rodri, kept very under wraps? Does Barcelona still have much work to do in the coming days?

Deco: We know that two attacking players have departed, such as Ferran Torres and Lewandowski. We know that with our new signings, we can fill the void left by Ferran Torres. But Lewandowski's departure is very difficult, after all, he is Lewandowski—no matter how good a player you find, it's always very hard to replace Lewandowski, because he is a player who marked an era here. But I think we have internal solutions. Of course, we will certainly take further action.

How are your plans progressing for recruiting a "number 9"?

Deco: Well, ultimately it's about trying to find the best solution. I know there will always be many rumors, and there will be plenty of them. We are working hard to see what else we can do between now and the close of the transfer window.

Will Barcelona have difficulty registering new players?

Deco: No, I don't think so. One thing we do very well is that Barcelona has always been a place where every player wants to play and enjoy football. But to attract top-level players, you need to have a project that can win. I think that's what attracted Gundogan, Adeyemi, Rodri, and Cancelo. I can imagine that a player really wants to play for Barcelona, wants to experience everything here, but he also wants to win titles, wants to dream and make history. I think ultimately, that is our achievement—this team shows outside players that they can win here, they can be happy here, and they can make history. I think that's the most important thing.

Diterjemahkan oleh AI.

Situs web AF kini hadir! Lihat berita lengkap, komentar, detail pertandingan, dan statistik di komputer Anda. Kunjungi: www.allfootballapp.com