Significant changes have taken place in the executive structure of FC Barcelona in the last few years. Important executives like Jordi Cruyff and Mateu Alemany have left the club, while others have come to take their place.
The club today announced the new sporting structure at the club, and Deco will be heading the sporting area of the club. Another former Barcelona player, Bojan Krkic, will also have an integral role in this new structure.
Laporta thanks Alemany
While Deco has been in charge of the sporting department for some time now, Barcelona officially presented him as their new Director of Football this morning.
The ceremony was held in a press room of Ciutat Esportivo Joan Gamper, and as SPORT has reported, Joan Laporta gave a speech in which he thanked Mateu Alemany for his services to the club:
“I want to express my gratitude to Mateu Alemany for the excellent work he has done in the two and a half years leading the football department. He successfully managed a very complex legacy, overcoming numerous obstacles with flying colors.”
“He demonstrated the skill to build a strong sporting project. He is intelligent, an excellent professional, and a great person. Wherever he goes, he will be successful. We will maintain our good relationship forever, and the doors will always be open for him as long as I am president.”
Reasons for selecting Deco
After thanking Alemany, Laporta went to explain his choice of appointment of Deco in this important position:
“Deco is the person who possesses all the qualities to lead the football department. He has been an elite footballer, a teammate of Xavi – with whom we have complete trust – both sharing the same football vision.”
“He has gained valuable experience, has been involved in football-related businesses, and has acquired the necessary knowledge to make negotiations fruitful. He also understands both the major and emerging football markets.”
“This summer, he worked closely with Mateu and played a significant role in resolving the remaining cases and in building this highly competitive sporting project. Harmony is key to making this work. We are at your disposal to assist you, but we don’t have the wisdom that you possess.”
Hopes for new structure
Lastly, the President also showed pride at the structure that has been implemented at Barcelona and which holds great promise for the club going forward:
“As president, I am particularly proud when I look at the sporting structure. Xavi, Deco, Márquez, Alexanko, Bojan, Masip, Barjuan… All of you have defended the Barça crest, which reflects a high level of commitment. It’s truly admirable.”
“This is a structure, but it also depends on the players doing it well. People say that what matters is that the ball goes in, but for that to happen, there must be a great team behind it, with knowledge, commitment, and courage… We believe in what we are doing, in the way we are leading and managing the club. I ask the Barcelona fans for trust because we are in good hands.”
The new structure is definitely a big change for FC Barcelona, and can have important implications on the medium and long-term future of the club. Hopefully, everything will turn out the best with these new men in charge, as Barcelona look on towards another chapter in their illustrious history.
