Barcelona sporting director Deco has addressed the speculation surrounding manager Xavi’s position as a consequence of the club’s poor performances over the past few weeks.
The Catalan giants have suffered a notable dip in their form lately, although there hasn’t been any significant impact on their positions in La Liga and Champions League.
Their eleven-match unbeaten streak in La Liga was ended by Real Madrid in El Clasico before they suffered a shocking defeat against Shakhtar Donetsk in the space of less than two weeks.
Barca’s performances in the victories over Real Sociedad, Athletic Club, Porto and Alaves were unconvincing, raising doubts over Xavi’s coaching abilities.
However, Deco feels the legendary Spanish midfielder is the best manager for Barca’s project and has the complete trust of the club.
The former Portuguese international also praised Xavi for taking the reigns at a difficult time and doing an excellent job in rebuilding the club.
“I have no doubt that Xavi is the best coach for Barca,” Deco told RAC1 (h/t Football Espana).
“He is the best coach for this project that began a few years ago. He accepted the challenge of coming at an important moment and is the perfect coach to rebuild everything that we are trying to rebuild.”
Barca also recently extended Xavi’s contract until 2025 as a reward for his impressive work of reviving the club’s fortunes and winning the La Liga title last season.
However, the pressure has increased this season as the Catalans must defend the La Liga crown and also win the long-evading Champions League trophy.
Another most talked-about topic among Blaugrana fans in recent times has been the potential arrival of Vitor Roque in January.
There have been conflicting reports, with some people claiming the Brazilian wonderkid will likely arrive at the start of next year, while others ruling out the possibility because of financial restrictions.
Deco, who played a key role in Barca sealing the signature of Roque from Athletico Paranaense, says the club are trying to facilitate his arrival.
“We all want him to come as soon as possible,” added Deco.
“From the beginning, there was talk that he would only come from January because that was the condition that Athletico Paranaense set.
“We are doing everything, we know the LaLiga regulations, that there have been some changes that can help us and, if this happens, we also have some responsibilities with LaLiga when it comes to fulfilling some pending things.”
Deco also talked about the futures of Portuguese loan stars Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo, whose performances have come under scrutiny in recent times.
The Portuguese duo started the season brightly but have failed to keep up the consistency, reportedly prompting Barca to reconsider their permanent transfers.
But Deco insists the club will go all out to keep the superstar duo next season.
