Ousmane Dembele on Messi, injury, Lyon and more

Ousmane Dembele feels important at Barcelona. The forward has overcome his tough times and has earned his spot with goals and good showings. He spoke to Barca’s official website.

“I’m doing well. I started being decisive at the start of the season. In November I had a spell more on the bench but that’s normal because during a season there are always difficult moments,” said Dembele.

“I have faith in myself and I will keep trying to do what I know how, and to be decisive. It’s important to score in key moments. I’m a forward and I have to be decisive when the team is in its best moment.”

On his strike against Atletico Madrid to equalise at the Wanda, Dembele said: “That last minute goal was important. I wasn’t in a good moment and when Messi gave me the ball, I saw Oblak very close to me. I didn’t think, and I scored.”

On Messi he said: “He’s genius, he makes football easier. I give him the ball and he does incredible things. When he’s on the pitch it’s easier of the forwards because opponents focus on him. He gives us great ball and leaves us in great places.”

On Lyon: “They’re a team with very good players. To win there is very difficult. They showed against City or PSG that we should be alert and not think that it will be easy. Umtiti told me they are a great team.”

On his injury: “The injury arrived when I was feeling really good. I was decisive and I did a great job in those games, but that’s football.”