Dembele's camp surprised by Xavi's stance on forward's future
Xavi took the decision to leave the Frenchman out of the squad on Thursday
Ousmane Dembele's camp do not understand Xavi Hernandez's stance. Those that surround and advise the player feel that the Barcelona coach has radically changed his position, going from defending his renewal and assuring that he could be the best in the world in his position to dropping him from the squad from one day to the next.
Dembele was left out of the squad for the Copa del Rey exit to Athletic Club on Thursday. Xavi followed through with his threat that he made earlier in the week when he told the player to renew or "look for a solution," hinting at a January exit.
Despite the club's attempts to find a solution (either a new contract or a loan or transfer in January), the situation remains blocked. Barça's latest move, leaving Dembele out of the squad, both surprised and annoyed the player's camp.
Those close to Dembele don't understand why Xavi accepted cutting the player out. Barça were playing for a place in the last eight of the Copa del Rey, losing to Athletic in the end 3-2 after extra time, and the coach didn't even call up the Frenchman, one of the most dangerous attackers in the squad.
Dembele's camp believe that Xavi has given into "pressure" from the club to leave Dembele out, a measure they feel is both excessive and counter-productive.
