Barça coach Koeman reveals his role in Dembele's change of attitude
The Dutcman said a lot of the improvement is down to the French forward himself
Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman says Ousmane Dembele's improvement is all down to the player's change of attitude and hard work.
Asked how he'd helped get the Frenchman to find his best form, Koeman down played his role in the forward's transformation this season.
"For me, the biggest role falls on the player himself, because the player has to work hard," Koeman said. "The coach can try and bring a good atmosphere to a squad, put on the right training sessions, but a lot of it is on the player.
"And physically, not just Ousmane, many players in the squad have improved. It's important to have quality but also to be able to explode as a forward like Ousmane is.
"Physically and mentally he's in good shape to deal with the pressure that always exists for Barça players. We have helped, but the most important role falls on the player. He's changed things, important for me, for him and for Barça."
Against Alaves at the weekend, Dembele played his 100th match for Barça and he spoke to UEFA recently about his development at the club.
He said: "I've changed a lot. How have I changed the most? Physically, I think. When I came here, I was very frail. Even when I was starting out professionally at Stade Rennais and Borussia Dortmund, I was very frail, but I've come on a long way at Barcelona with the physical trainers, etc. My way of training, my way of preparing for matches, it's all changed.
"The years go by and I'm growing up, so it's kind of normal for me to change a bit. I'm more comfortable, I feel good here in Barcelona and in my own life.
"Even though I had three years of little physical problems, those are the challenges of life, and that's just how it is. You have to face them with a smile."
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