According to reports, Barcelona has had a successful season, winning the Super Cup and Copa del Rey while nearing La Liga glory. However, their Champions League campaign ended in disappointment after a semi-final defeat to Inter Milan. With the season nearing its end, Barcelona’s transfer plans are in motion, including contract renewals and squad reinforcement strategies.

Deco, in an exclusive interview with ESPN, discussed the team’s current state, transfer plans, Lamine Yamal’s contract extension, and the squad’s reaction to their Champions League exit.

On Barcelona’s Exceeding Expectations: “At the start of the season, our goal was to compete. Competing means fighting for every possible trophy. You can’t reach matchday 36 in La Liga without battling for the title. But the truth is, the team exceeded my expectations by competing strongly against a powerful Real Madrid. A small detail kept us from the Champions League final. We fought in every competition, won the Super Cup and Copa del Rey… That’s the path we must continue.”

Confidence in Lamine Yamal’s Contract Extension

Deco expressed confidence in renewing Lamine Yamal’s contract: “A player should be where he feels happy. I don’t see a better place for Lamine. He grew up here and is from here. This generation has a historic chance. If I were him, I’d want to stay and be part of this journey. I see no issue with his renewal, especially since his current contract is still valid. The club will meet his needs.”

Over-Reliance on Yamal and Raphinha

Deco emphasized the need for squad depth: “Given the team’s energy, no one wants to leave. Most contracts have been renewed, and now we must protect our current players. Last year, I said we shouldn’t lose anyone. I repeat that now. If we can strengthen, great, but the key is keeping our core. We realized we depend too much on Raphinha and Lamine. Maybe we need similar players. The squad is balanced, and our youth system has potential.”

Team Reaction After Inter Defeat

Deco on the squad’s response to Champions League elimination: “This job is relatively new for me. I’ve never accepted defeat easily—it hurts. If I stop feeling that pain, it means I’ve lost passion. The positive was the brilliant performance after that loss. El Clásico was crucial, but the players’ reaction stood out. Everyone was upset but said, ‘We’ll bounce back.’ That’s fantastic. It shows they care but are ready to return. That’s what gives us hope—it’s our path.”