Deco Accepts Substitute Role

The Portuguese international has completed only seven games for Barcelona this season and was an unused sub in the victory against Mallorca at the weekend.

Despite having said that he could leave if he does not play regularly, Deco has not moved to calm the waters but did say that he thought he would play on Saturday.

"I am a natural born winner, but I am staying calm," he explained.

"If I can play then I am ready, but if I am used as a substitute I accept that although I did not expect to be on the bench against Mallorca.

Deco is alleged to have been talked to by the club last season about his performances and has done little to improve things this term with severla public outbursts.

While coach Frank Rijkaard still sees him as a valuable player in the middle, the board could be ready to accept a suitable offer for his services.

Barça were not impressed by Deco's recent declaration that he would like to work under José Mourinho at the club or his statements about leaving unless he played regularly.