Deco's big bet for the last transfer market was Hansi Flick. The German arrived on Barça's bench to try to emotionally revive a locker room that was down after the last season. He certainly has because, despite the recent bad streak of results, Flick has FC Barcelona leading in LaLiga and second in the Champions League.
Without a doubt, Deco's good judgment in selecting Hansi Flick has been spot on. However, not everything is success for the sporting director. In this case, Flick requested a transfer as soon as he landed in the Catalonian city that isn't quite working out.
It won't be because Deco didn't him. According to leaks, Hansi Flick requested the arrival of Dani Olmo, while Laporta's right-hand man had other preferences. Now time is proving him right.
Dani Olmo and Injuries: a Problem Deco Already Warned about
During his time at RB Leipzig, Dani Olmo already suffered multiple muscle issues that kept him off the field. At Barça, this situation happened again, with a hamstring injury that sidelined him for weeks. Not only that, but his constant physical discomfort has prevented him from being a regular starter.
This lack of consistency worries Deco. Hansi Flick needs players capable of performing at their best in key moments, something Dani Olmo isn't currently offering. Moreover, his recent performances have been far from the level he showed in the first matches of the current season.
Deco and Hansi Flick: Differing Opinions
Deco wasn't completely convinced about signing Dani Olmo. According to sources close to the club, Deco preferred to invest in younger options with less injury history, like Nico Williams. However, it was Hansi Flick who insisted on bringing in the former Dinamo Zagreb player.
These differences in criteria have caused some tension between Deco and Hansi Flick, especially now that Dani Olmo's performance is under scrutiny. The German coach continues betting on number 20 but the management is meticulously analyzing what to do if the situation persists.
Barça fans hope Dani Olmo can turn this situation around and prove why he was chosen as a key piece for Hansi Flick's project. However, patience isn't infinite and the demands at a club like Barça are high. Meanwhile, the differences between Deco and Flick could influence the future of the sporting planning of the team.