Barca sporting director Deco knows his side will have to be at their best next month
Barcelona sporting director Deco(Image: Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images))
Barcelona sporting director Deco has issued a strong warning to the Spanish side ahead of their Champions League last 16 tie with Newcastle United.
The Catalan giants will be favourites to progress to the quarter-finals, although Eddie Howe’s men will go into the two-legged match with confidence.
The two sides have already met in the league stage of the competition, with two goals from Marcus Rashford giving Barca a 2-1 win.
However, it was a closely-fought game, with Newcastle having their chances to take the lead in the first half, before Anthony Gordon reduced the defecit following an excellent team move.
FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK! Keep up with all the Newcastle United latest via the Chronicle’s dedicated Facebook page
Portugal legend Deco, who is now Barca’s sporting director after an illustrious playing career which included 161 appearances for the Nou Camp club, is well aware that they will have to be on their best form to make it through to the quarter-finals.
“The match against Newcastle has been one of the best we have performed throughout the season, both at a defensive and offensive level and in the control of the game,” he said following Friday’s draw.
“Against PSG we also played well, although in the second half we dropped the level.
“The one in Newcastle was perfect and that means that, if we want to go through, we will have to do it perfect.
READ MORE: UEFA issue statement as Newcastle United’s date and kick off time for Barcelona trip confirmedREAD MORE: Barcelona refuse to celebrate Champions League draw and send Newcastle United clear message
“It will be a very tough match against one of the best fanbases in the world, who push a lot and give energy to the players,”
The winners of the tie will face either Atletico Madrid or Tottenham Hotspur in the last eight, and Deco knows the dangers of playing Premier League sdes
“Historically, the Premier is very competitive, in which it is played with a lot of intensity,” added the former midfielder, who spent two seasons with Chelsea.
“We will have to fight to have the ball and be forceful both at an offensive and defensive level. If we do it, we have chances to win against anyone. So we must face it like this.”
Find the best flights and hotels for Champions League games
Booking.com provides countless deals on flights and accommodation across Europe so Newcastle United fans can follow the team on their Champions League campaign.
Ensure our latest Newcastle United headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings