Liverpool coach fires back after Barcelona's sporting director's comments

Liverpool manager Arne Slot fired back at Barcelona's sporting director Deco, who admitted to their interest in signing Colombian winger Luis Diaz from the Reds.

As Pulse Sports reported, Deco is keen on landing Liverpool winger Luis Diaz and, according to Spanish sources, has made him the prime transfer target for the summer.

Deco’s admiration for the Colombian was well known within Barcelona circles, but recently he publicly admitted interest. 

“We like Luis Diaz, we like Rashford… And we like other wingers too,” he replied when asked to confirm their interest in the former Porto star. “We can't talk about players under contract with other clubs.

28-year-old Diaz joined the Reds in the winter transfer window of 2022 for a reported €54 million. He has shone in spells, particularly the first half of this season, in which he was integral to Slot’s side’s opening a lead at the top of the Premier League table. He was also their joint-top scorer in the Champions League this campaign.

Ahead of Liverpool’s final game of the season against Crystal Palace, Slot was informed of Deco’s statement. According to Barca Times, he responded sarcastically, saying, "I understand that Deco admires Luis Diaz, and so do I. […] I admire Lamine Yamal and Raphinha a lot as well."