With Barcelona preparing for the crucial stages of the UEFA Champions League, sporting director Deco has shared his thoughts on the competition, the upcoming challenges, and Real Madrid’s recent performance.
The former Barcelona midfielder, who played a key role in the club’s past European successes, remains cautiously optimistic about their prospects.
Regarding their upcoming match against Benfica, Deco acknowledged the strength of the Portuguese side. “PSG are in great form, but so is Benfica. We’ve already faced them, and it was a tough match,” he said, highlighting that Barcelona will not take their opponents lightly, especially considering the unpredictable nature of Champions League knockout games.
When asked about Barcelona’s chances of winning the UCL this season, Deco maintained a balanced outlook. “There are opportunities, but we need to stay focused on each game,” he said, emphasizing the need for consistency and concentration in a tournament where a single mistake can be costly.
Deco further discussed the difficulty of their current path in the competition, stressing that their first priority is to overcome Benfica. “The draw has placed us in this situation, and we need to focus on beating Benfica to advance. It will be a very tough match, and the atmosphere there will be challenging. Benfica is a strong team at home, so we must concentrate on the first game.”
His comments reflect Barcelona’s respect for Benfica, a team with a solid European record and a passionate home crowd, which can make any away match difficult. Deco’s experience in high-pressure games gives him a unique insight into what it takes to succeed at this level.
Deco also pointed out the unpredictable nature of the Champions League. “In the end, there’s no room for calculations. For instance, PSG, who many considered favorites last season, were eliminated early by a team that was seen as weak. No one expected Dortmund to reach the final.”
This statement reminds that in knockout football, reputation means little, and performances on the day are what matter most. It’s an approach Barcelona must adopt if they hope to advance in the tournament.
Turning to their rivals Real Madrid, Deco acknowledged that Los Blancos have regained their form in recent months. “Every team goes through different phases—there are highs and lows in a season. I think Real Madrid has been in good shape for a while. Since December, they’ve been scoring goals, and their key players have been finding the net.”
His comments show an understanding of the ebb and flow of football, where teams experience peaks and valleys. Real Madrid’s resurgence has been clear, with key attacking players stepping up in critical moments.
However, Deco dismissed the idea that Real Madrid had been in poor form.Real Madrid are always in great shape. They’ve won the Champions League many times, so thinking they’ve been out of form is a mistake. In my view, Madrid are always good, though sometimes they’re at a higher or lower level, just like we’ve experienced.”
This highlights Real Madrid’s winning mentality. Their ability to rise to the occasion and perform at the highest level is what keeps them as consistent contenders for European titles.
Deco stressed that all top clubs, including Barcelona, experience fluctuations in form. “It’s the same for Real Madrid; all great teams eventually get back to their best. For us, we have to focus on our team, knowing that good moments don’t last forever. But we must seize them, work hard, and keep aiming for top performances.”
His message serves as motivation for Barcelona, reminding them of the importance of hard work, resilience, and tactical discipline as they pursue their first Champions League title since 2015. While the team has made progress under the current setup, maintaining peak performance throughout the tournament will be their biggest challenge.
Deco’s insights provide valuable perspective on Barcelona’s ambitions, immediate challenges, and the broader European football landscape. Despite the tough road ahead, Barcelona possesses the quality and experience to make a deep run in the competition. But they must remain vigilant, as the Champions League is notoriously unpredictable.
As the knockout rounds approach, all eyes will be on Barcelona and their ability to overcome these challenges. Deco’s message is clear—stay focused on the task at hand, respect every opponent, and ensure the team is in peak condition for each match. With this mindset, Barcelona can dream of adding another Champions League trophy to their storied history.