FCBARCELONA.CAT

24.07.2007 15:31

Deco: "We all want a great team"

Sandra Sarmiento / Anna Segura

Deco is looking forward to the new season and believes that everyone at FC Barcelona wants to be part of a great team and help lead the club back to winning trophies again.

The Portuguese midfielder was reflecting on the new arrivals at the club as the squad continued pre-season preparations at St. Andrews in Scotland. Having brought in Thierry Henry, Éric Abidal, Yaya Toure and Gaby Milito, Deco now believes Frank Rijkaard can choose an impressive side. "He will now try and make a great team from these players," the 29-year-old explained. "Everyone wants to make this a great team." When asked why he was not included in either starting side in the 11-a-side game in training Deco said: "The team is not finalised yet. The coach is trying to create his team and I have to continue working hard."

Staying put

Several clubs have made enquiries about Deco's availability this summer, but the player himself intends to stay put: "I have a contract until 2010 and nobody has said anything to me, therefore I think that they count on me," he said. "I like it here. But if they do not want me to stay then that is there choice."

Back to normal

After missing out on some pre-season preparations last year, following the World Cup Finals, Deco is enjoying the return to normality this summer. "Atvthis stage we are only doing physical training because last year we could not do this," he continued. "Besides, in the United States we travlled a lot and it was difficult to do this."

Critical analysis

After a testing campaign last time out, Deco said that the criticism was expected: "When you do not win something then things like that always happen," he stated. "We have had some incredible years, but then last season we failed. Everything that was said was expected and we were ready for it. This season I think we will be going for all the trophies as the club has brought some great new players."