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See the full story · 1 sourcesDeco and Hansi Flick gain greater control in Barcelona’s new football structure
FC Barcelona have approved a significant restructuring of their football department, bringing Barça Atletic under the same operational framework as the first team.
The decision, ratified during Wednesday’s board meeting, is designed to improve coordination across the club while giving sporting director Deco and head coach Hansi Flick greater influence over the reserve side.
The move reflects a long-term strategy to create a more seamless pathway between the academy and the senior squad, ensuring that young players develop under the same philosophy before making the step up.
A more integrated sporting project
In an official statement following the meeting, the club confirmed the objective behind the restructuring.
“Also in the sporting domain, the Board has ratified the project to unite the Barça Atletic set up with the first team set up, with the aim of obtaining faster, more efficient and coordinated management of sporting, financial and operational aspects.”
More responsibilities for Deco. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Barcelona described the initiative as a project to unify the organisational structure of Barça Atletic and the first team in order to create a more agile, efficient and coordinated model from sporting, financial and operational perspectives.
The change formalises a process that had already begun behind the scenes. During pre-season, for example, Barça Atletic have trained on schedules aligned with the first team, allowing Hansi Flick to call upon academy players whenever needed.
That coordination will now extend well beyond training logistics.
Deco takes greater responsibility
One of the biggest consequences of the new structure is an expansion of Deco’s responsibilities. The sporting director will now oversee all transfer decisions involving Barça Atletic, including player arrivals, departures and long-term planning.
He will continue working alongside Bojan Krkic, who coordinates the club’s football department, and chief scout Joao Amaral, who leads the recruitment strategy.
Meanwhile, Jose Ramon Alexanco will remain director of youth football but will no longer have direct authority over the reserve team.
Flick and Belletti working together
The restructuring also strengthens the working relationship between Hansi Flick and Barça Atletic coach Juliano Belletti.
Greater collaboration with Juliano Belletti. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
With 17 academy players currently involved in the first team’s pre-season preparations, Barcelona believe close collaboration between both coaching staffs is essential.
The aim is to ensure players receive consistent tactical instruction, physical preparation and medical support regardless of whether they are training with the first team or the reserves.
The club hopes that greater continuity across all departments will make the transition to senior football smoother for emerging talents.
Addressing long-term concerns
Beyond player development, Barcelona believe the unified model can help solve broader issues that have affected the club in recent seasons.
One of those priorities is improving injury prevention by ensuring the same fitness methodologies, workload management and medical protocols are implemented throughout the football department.
By bringing the first team and Barça Atletic closer together under Deco’s leadership and Flick’s sporting vision, Barcelona are aiming to create a more efficient structure that supports both immediate success and the long-term development of the club’s next generation.
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