Present at a press conference, Xavi was bombarded with questions about the soap opera Ousmane Dembélé. The FC Barcelona coach was very clear.
D-Day. This Wednesday, we should know more about the future of Ousmane Dembélé (24), at the end of his contract with FC Barcelona in June 2022. A hot topic that has punctuated Blaugrana news for many weeks already. Chance of the calendar, Xavi was present at a press conference this afternoon, on the eve of an important trip to the lawn of Athletic (Coupe du Roi). Obviously, the Catalan technician could not escape questions about the tricolor international (27 caps, 4 goals). He was even attacked, questioned 7 times on the subject, ultimately asking himself to stop talking about this theme. His answers were very clear.
“With Ousmane, we are in a complex and difficult situation. The club has made its decision: if it does not extend, a solution will have to be found. Mateu (Alemany, sporting director) has been in talks with his representative for five months. Either he prolongs or a solution will have to be found. It is a complex situation. I was very honest with him, it’s not pleasant for anyone. Take it or leave it. You have to look at the interests of the club and decide for the good of the institution., he first dropped, confirming the ultimatum posed by the management.
“Ousmane tells me he wants to extend”
Repeating his position, which is that of the club, the former midfielder also put the 2018 world champion face to face with his responsibilities, inviting him to take his destiny into his own hands. “Either we extend the player or he looks for another club. There are no other solutions. We are in a complicated situation. I was very clear with Ousmane. He wants to extend, but he doesn’t make the decision and, as a club, we have to make one. It’s a shame because, footballing, he knows what the project is here. He played every minute possible and the ball is in his court., he sent before insisting.
“I mean no disrespect to anyone, but the message is clear. The solution is either he extends or he leaves. He tells me he wants to extend and continue. It’s a question you have to ask him. (…) I was very clear. There are two options: either he extends or we seek a solution for him to leave the club. This is the decision we made. This case is complex and at some point we have to decide as a club. We are in a situation with payroll problems. The player should think about the team”, he continued, explaining not to be “disappointed” by his striker and not knowing if he would be in the squad for the match at San Mamés. The floor is with Ousmane Dembélé.
