Barcelona president-elect Victor Font has announced that he will not retain Deco as his director of football if he is elected in March. Font is profiled as a primary alternative to incumbent President Joan Laporta, as the campaign season gets well underway. Laporta is expected to resign and appoint an interim board on Monday to call an election.
Font, who came second in the 2021 election that saw Laporta return to second place, gave a lengthy interview to RAC1 presenting his case for regime change. He based his arguments on Laporta’s financial management and his oppressive leadership style.
“Members have to choose between the president’s model of club management like in the 80s and 90s with Gels, Caneda … or a high level management model,” the MD said.
📸 Fermín López and President Laporta during his renewal act. [@FCBarcelona] pic.twitter.com/VTtJIXfrfZ
– barcacentre (@barcacentre) February 6, 2026
“We have had this financial situation for many years, even during Bartomeu’s time. Now we have gone through the transfer windows of five players and we can’t register a single player. We have six players of the women’s team who have contracts and we still don’t know if we will be able to renew them. This president’s plan forces us to look for easy money in Congo, even if we depend on tourists, because they cannot fully close Barca’s unlock.”
The font will be from Deco as the Football Director
He went on to explain his plans for the senior men’s football team, saying that he cannot reveal his preferred sports director as they work elsewhere. Font said Deco would leave under his leadership, but he was determined to keep Hansi Flick.
“My coach will be Hansi Flick, but Deco will not be my sports director. We will make sure that the existing structure suits Hansi Flick better, and there is no one like Alejandro Echevarria, who has no official position but has undue influence. Deco is a trusted advisor to Laporta and Alejandro Echevarria.”
Xavi Hernandez and Deco working relationship
A recent report from The Athletic revealed how close Deco and Flick have become, enjoying a strong relationship. The German manager was brought in by Deco to replace Xavi Hernandez, who he did not see eye to eye with. Their lack of a relationship is described as a ‘key factor’ in the pair’s ouster, with a source saying it would have been impossible for success to come between the two.
Hansi Flick is happy to work with Deco
Hours after Font’s interview, Flick was asked about his relationship with Deco, and he sang the former midfielder’s praises.
“Right now I’m very happy working with Deco, we have the same philosophy. We know what we have to do, I appreciate him a lot.”
Previously, Deco had said that he would not continue in the team if Laporta left, that would mean his departure. Flick, who has a contract until 2027, has withdrawn from strong statements, but seems to be satisfied under Laporta and Deco.
