Barcelona manager Hansi Flick backs Deco to stay on ahead of new presidential election
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has backed Deco to remain in charge as the Blaugrana's sporting director ahead of the new presidential election in March 2026.
One of the presidential candidates, Victor Font, who came in second after incumbent Joan Laporta in 2021, said this week that if he wins, he will try to replace Deco.
However, Flick gave his support to the former Portugal national team player on Friday, February 6, local time, praising the work he has done since being appointed to the position in 2023.
"I'm happy with Deco's situation. We trust each other, we trust each other and trust each other. We are looking for the same players, the same philosophy. He lets us work. This is the most important thing."
"We have calmness in what we have to do, what needs to be done. I have never felt this before. I really appreciate this," Flick said in a press conference ahead of the LaLiga match against Mallorca.
Barcelona announced in January 2026 that elections for members to vote for the new club president would be held on March 15, 2026.
In addition to Laporta, who will run again, Font, Marc Ciria, Xavier Vilajoana, and Joan Camprubi have all announced their intention to run for president.
The time between now and the election will be filled with candidates revealing their plans for Barcelona, which could include claims about player recruitment, changes in the hierarchy, or plans to bring Lionel Messi back in a certain capacity.
Font said this week that if elected, he would replace Deco although he did not reveal his successor as he is still "under contract" with another club at the moment.
Deco has been Barcelona's sporting director for more than two years now, having previously been an agent. He helped build a squad that won LaLiga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup (Supercopa de Espana) last season.
Barcelona remain on track to repeat that success this season. They have won the Supercopa de Espana, lead LaLiga, and advanced to the Copa del Rey semifinals to face Atletico Madrid.
The matches will be played in two legs, with Barcelona traveling to Madrid for the first leg next week and the second leg scheduled at Camp Nou in early March 2026.
Athletic Club and Real Sociedad will meet in the other semifinal in the Basque derby.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed on Friday, February 6, 2026, that the final match of the Copa del Rey will be played in Seville, at La Cartuja, on April 18, 2026.