Softfootball understands that Barcelona’s recent resurgence is not only about what happens on the pitch. Behind the scenes, structure and decision-making have quietly shaped the club’s direction, and much of that stability comes from the working relationship between head coach Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco.
At a time when top clubs often struggle with internal disagreements, Barça appear to have found something simpler, two football minds pulling the same way, mostly without noise.
Speaking in a recent interview as reported by Fabrizio Romano via his official X account, Flick openly spoke about how comfortable the dynamic feels.
He said:
Hansi Flick on Deco: I’m very happy with this situation. We trust and believe in ourselves. We’re looking for the same players. We have the same philosophy, and it allows us to work, which is the most important thing. I’ve never had anything like this.
Their connection goes back to early 2024, when Deco and Bojan Krkic met Flick in London to explore the coaching role. The meeting reportedly happened before Xavi’s exit was official, which caused a bit of tension at the time.
Still, Deco was reportedly struck by how prepared Flick was. He talked about youth players, reserves, and details most coaches wouldn’t even mention. You could tell he had done the homework, properly too.
On transfers, they don’t always agree at first, and that’s probably healthy. In January 2026, Flick pushed for a centre-back after Christensen and Araújo picked up injuries. Deco instead secured João Cancelo on loan for flexibility. Flick didn’t fight it, just adapted.
Other calls went Flick’s way. He insisted on keeping Raphinha and Íñigo Martínez, both later important. He backed the Dani Olmo signing, even though it complicated Gündogan’s role, and handled that conversation himself.
Deco also trusted him with bigger choices, like bringing in Joan García as first-choice goalkeeper ahead of Ter Stegen.
The partnership feels real, built on trust, small compromises, and a bit of stubborn belief. And for Barcelona, that might matter more than anything else.
