"Here to talk about football, about the match, about better things" - Deco vents frustration when asked about Barcelona star's registration
Barcelona sporting director Deco expressed exasperation when aksed about the future status of midfielder Dani Olmo. Following the side's 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund, he shot down attempts from a journalist to inquire about the 26-year-old's status.
Movistar Plus+ journalist Ricardo Sierra probed initially, to which Deco replied:
“Surely Barça can register Olmo, the club is working on that, everything is calm. These are internal matters, otherwise, we would be on TV every day talking about it. Do not worry.”
When pressed ahead on the matter, Deco grew annoyed and replied:
“We are here to talk about football, about the match, about better things.”
Barcelona's financial troubles continue and they are now under pressure to register summer signings Dani Olmo and Pau Victor for the second half of the campaign. The club need to find a way to increase revenue or cut costs to fall under the allowed limit and have until the end of the month to figure the situation out.
After being signed for a reported fee of €55 million, La Blaugrana faced trouble registering the player. Eventually, he was brought into the squad in place of Andreas Christensen, who suffered an injury but the Spaniard only signed a short-term deal, valid until the end of the summer.
Should Barcelona fail to register him, there is a reported clause in the 26-year-old's contract that would allow him to leave on a free. The club are believed to be working hard to find a solution and avoid this situation.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick handed two-game touchline ban
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has been given a two-game ban from the touchline. This comes after he received a red card in the side's 2-2 draw against Real Betis in La Liga.
The incident occurred in the second half when the hosts were awarded a penalty after Frenkie de Jong tripped Vitor Roque in the box. The German was dismayed by the decision, leading him to receive his marching orders.
Following the game, Flick himself expressed doubt with the decision, saying (via Barca Blaugranes):
“I don’t understand it. It was a reaction on my part. I didn’t say anything specific to anyone. They have been a long time to see if it was a penalty and that means it was doubtful. It’s my first sending off here, it was a reaction to myself.”
He is now set to be in the stands for Barcelona's fixtures against CD Leganes and Atletico Madrid. The side, however, plan to appeal the decision and will be hoping to receive positive news.