How Joan Laporta and Deco’s negligent squad planning set Hansi Flick up for failure

Writer Parag J Kalita argues that Barcelona president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco undermined manager Hansi Flick through poor squad planning. The criticism follows Barcelona conceding six goals across consecutive matches against Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. Kalita contends that Flick's high defensive line requires elite physical defenders, yet club leadership failed to adequately reinforce the backline during the summer transfer window.

The author highlights decisions to pass on targets like Alessandro Bastoni and Cristian Romero, alongside loaning out Ronald Araujo without securing a replacement. Kalita criticizes the club's reliance on converting Gerard Martín to center-back and depending on the injury-prone Andreas Christensen, asserting that Barcelona cannot compete for top European trophies without significant defensive investment.