According to Diario Sport, Barcelona's sporting director Deco gave an interview analyzing the summer transfer market, departing players, and issues regarding team players nominated for the Ballon d'Or.

On Real Madrid

Deco: "They have very good players and an exceptional coach, who was also my coach when I was at Porto. I hope they're fortunate, but hopefully not against us. If they can build a truly competitive team, they will be very difficult to face this season. We just need to focus on doing our job."

On Ferran Torres

Deco: "Barcelona players must remain happy and perform at 100%. I'm happy for him, and happy for his hat-trick. Football depends greatly on psychological condition, and we all got positive things from that match. He wanted to leave to be the protagonist for his team. If he asked to leave, we let him go. He contributed a lot to the team. I wish him the best at PSG."

On Marc Casadó

Deco: "It's harder to let academy players leave. He's a passionate Barcelona fan and a role model for young players, showing resilience and determination. That's football; not everyone can get playing time. It was a difficult decision, and we're always looking for solutions. Ultimately, he decided where he wanted to be loaned out."

On Losing Three Phones This Summer

Deco revealed at the end of the interview that he lost three phones this summer.

On Araujo

Deco: "I watched Liverpool's match yesterday and I liked him. I really care about him and I hope he succeeds. Personally, I really like him. For now, he hasn't maintained his level, but his experience at Barcelona was very good. Sometimes the ideas of both parties aren't completely aligned. He still has a contract with us, and it's too early to discuss these things now."

On Financial Fair Play

Deco: "It's only September, and the football season is still very long, everything is very intense. To think about next season's plans now... it's still too early. Of course, I won't stop thinking ahead—I'm already thinking about next season—but now is not the time to discuss these things. All our decisions will consider both the present and the future."

On de Jong

Deco: "We won't discuss internal club matters, including medical situations; that's private information. We'll make relevant reports and issue medical statements. If I have a physical issue, I see a doctor. Others also have people they trust to handle these matters. This is a very personal issue. We communicate after learning of his injury. He also speaks with people he trusts. He didn't receive any offers. Rodri's arrival doesn't affect his situation."

On Baldé

Deco: "Nothing happened; he's our player. He's only 22 years old with lots of room to develop, and he's under contract with one of the best clubs in the world. He has to compete for playing time. He had some injuries previously, but his performances two years ago were outstanding. If Baldé stays healthy, it's hard to imagine he won't get playing time at Barcelona. There's a lot of talk outside, but he's never expressed a desire to leave to us. As for whether he can play, that's not a sporting director's decision."

On Rashford

Deco: "We thank Rashford, but Gordon better fits the coach's tactical needs. Not recruiting Álvarez? That's fine. We're very satisfied with Gabriel Jesus."

On the Álvarez Offer

Deco: "We made an offer to be paid over three seasons. Some clubs pay over five years. I have no issues with Mateu Alemany; I didn't do anything to him. I don't know if he has issues with me. Regarding Álvarez, I don't want to say more.

We're very aware that our players are versatile. It's almost impossible to truly replace Lewandowski. As for Ferran, even if Gabriel Jesus didn't join, we could find a solution from our existing squad. If we couldn't recruit Álvarez, we needed to find a similar type of player, so we recruited Gabriel.

We had the opportunity for Adeyemi previously. As for Balde, our initial plan was to loan him out."

Raphinha and Pedri's Exclusion from Ballon d'Or

Deco: "This is a joke for the world. I can't understand such a shortlist. Individual awards are fundamentally unfair. Football is a team sport, and it's difficult to completely attribute certain things to individuals. Seeing Pedri not selected, with his talent, I really can't understand it."

On Cubarsí

Deco: "Cubarsí is the Yamal of center-back position, the most remarkable talent at this stage. His development is extraordinary. He's become more mature and a leader for the team, and he's also improved some minor issues. Center-backs can't make mistakes."

On Ballon d'Or Candidate

Deco: "Based on everything he's done for Barcelona and the national team, Yamal should be the favorite. He's had some important moments, participating in the World Cup while injured. Last season he was a key player for the team and the best in La Liga. In my opinion, he's the biggest favorite. I have no doubt. In the years Messi won, did anyone else have a chance? Of course, but Messi was the best player at that time."

Three-Week International Break

Deco: "This is a major controversy. It's difficult to understand a player leaving his team for 20 days at the start of the season. Now there are more official matches, and almost no friendly matches. In the past, you could coordinate with the coach, but now you can't avoid taking your best players.

Our communication with the FA is always very smooth, including with Calanca. We have good relationships with everyone. We'll make relevant reports and anticipate potential risks beforehand."

On Raphinha's Contract Extension

Deco: "We always monitor players' situations and contract progress. At the same time, we have to consider merit and contribution. We don't want imbalances, where someone's treatment is far lower than another's, causing issues. He's one of the players we hope to continue working with for a longer time. We'll talk to him."

On Raphinha Becoming Captain

Deco: "He earned the captain armband through his performances. Every player has their own pride and personal aspirations. Being Barcelona captain is a dream. Raphinha is gradually building his story in the dressing room and at the club; it's not something that happens overnight. He's happy here. Flick can always get the best from him."

On the Striker Position

Deco: "The team isn't lacking a striker. Raphinha is performing very well now. Gabriel is closest to the traditional number 9, but he's better at being involved in building attacks. Hamza is a true number 9, and the number 9 for the future."

On the Number 9 Position

Deco: "Discussion about the number 9 position has been ongoing for a long time. True number 9 players nowadays include Kane, Haaland, and Lewandowski, and Lewandowski is the best among them. There aren't many such players today.

Eto'o wasn't a pure number 9 either, more like Raphinha is now. PSG doesn't even have a true number 9. If you build team play around a center-forward, you limit your style. There are many players in the squad who can adapt to this position. Ferran wasn't a number 9 before, so we shouldn't be too obsessed with this."

Rodri's Back Surgery

Deco: "Yes, he had surgery. It's difficult for me to discuss medical matters. He experienced discomfort in everyday life, but it hasn't significantly affected his career."

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