Barcelona Latest News: Barcelona will play Athletic Club in the Copa Del Rey Round of 16 and Barcelona manager Xavi has provided an update on his squad. He spoke to the media ahead of the tie and discussed if Ousmane Dembele has a future at the club provided the player’s agent blaming the club. He also provided a fitness update on Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres and Pedri. Follow InsideSport.IN for the latest news and updates.
Barcelona Latest News: Barcelona manager Xavi discusses Dembele and Araujo’s contract situation; Fitness updates on Ferran, Fati and Pedri
🔊 Xavi: ❝Dembélé’s situation is complex. If he doesn’t renew his contract, we need to find a solution❞ pic.twitter.com/TCopnlIa8z
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 19, 2022
Barcelona Latest News: Barcelona manager Xavi on Dembele
Dembele has suffered numerous injuries since joining from Borussia Dortmund in a deal worth 140 million euros ($158.9 million), in 2017. Yet after losing several key players to reduce the club’s debts, Barcelona have been keen to keep the Frenchman, who remains one of the team’s most talented players.
“It isn’t an easy or pleasant situation but the interests of the club are the most important. We’re in a complex and difficult spot because if he doesn’t renew, the club must find a solution. We can’t be in this situation. We’ve waited a long time. Mateu [Alemany] has been in talks for five months and we can’t wait any longer.”
“If he doesn’t renew will he play? We aren’t contemplating that. Either he renews or he leaves. It isn’t one or the other. I don’t want to disrespect anyone but the message is clear: either renew or look for an exit solution. Am I disappointed in him? No – and that’s the last thing I’ll say about Dembélé.”
“His renewal is a priority. For me, he’s a very important part of what we’re doing. He’s an extraordinary defender with a winning character. We have to reach an agreement quickly because he’s a player for the present and the future and we need players like that.”
Barcelona Latest: Xavi on Sergio Busquets criticism
“It’s because we aren’t getting results and when that happens, they also criticise me. That’s how it is. For me, he’s essential and can’t be questioned. “He knows he’s made mistakes but that’s just from a bad spell of form. If we play at our best, he is the best in the world in his position, without a doubt.
“There will always be debates at Barça and we accept that. I remember there was debate over Busquets in 2010 with the national team. They said he shouldn’t play and in the end: world champions.”
Barcelona Latest News: Update on Ferran Torres, Ansu Fati and Pedri
“The return of Pedri and Ansu Fati is good. Ansu has been out of action for longer than Pedri. Today Pedri is at 100% but we will make our estimates. Martin Braithwaite is doing well. We’ll see if we can include him in the squad for tomorrow but he’s a great professional and helps us a lot.”
Ferran Torres is likely to start after making his debut in the Spanish Super Cup defeat by Real Madrid on Wednesday. “He looks good,” said Xavi. “He has missed some of the rhythm of competition but this week he has trained 100 per cent, he has recovered from his injury and tomorrow will be important for him.”
Barcelona Latest News: Barcelona manager Xavi discusses Dembele and Araujo’s contract situation; Fitness updates on Ferran, Fati and Pedri
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