Deco: We Have Failed So Far

Barça's 0-0 draw at home to Espanyol at the weekend has all but ended their chances of taking the Spanish title away from Real Madrid and although Deco feels that they have underperformed so far this season he was quick to indicate that their campaign is not yet done with.

"It is evident that we are not happy, but we must continue to play on. We have failed so far, but the season is not yet finished," he told reporters at a press conference on Monday.

Despite criticism of the club throughout the season, Deco feels that people should not forget that the nucleus of the current Barça side "have made history whatever happens this year," but accepts that there are likely to be a number of new recruits in the summer after a disappointing season.

"It is not necessary to make it big news. When a team doesn't win things [talk of reinforcements] is normal," he asserted.

"But now is not the time to speak of transfers. The whole season has been filled with such talk and it is getting a little old."

Support For Eto'o and Ronaldinho

Deco has no problem with Samuel Eto'o expressing "his feelings," following the striker's indication that he would consider leaving Barcelona if they do not start winning trophies again, as long as Eto'o is "focused on Wednesday's match," and also spoke out in support of Ronaldinho.

"He has made history, and for that reason he deserves respect for everything that he has done. He continues being a team-mate and everyone wants him here," he affirmed.

Best In The World

Wednesday's tie with Manchester United sees Deco come up against his Portugal team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo and he had no hesitation in naming Ronaldo as "the best player in the world," alongside Barça's Lionel Messi.

Deco admitted that United have the stronger team, but doesn't feel that the Red Devils' status as favourites will put any less pressure on either team to perform over the two legs.

"They are better, but it makes no difference to us. The pressure does not change anything," he concluded.


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