Xavi Hernandez, Ousmane Dembele's new tutor
The Frenchman has not delivered at Barcelona for various reasons but Xavi wants him there
Xavi Hernandez was open. “He can be the best in the world in his position.” The new Barça coach was speaking of Ousmane Dembele, the player most tortured by injuries in Barcelona’s squad and the second most expensive player in the history of the club. An explosive, different option, chaotic and capable of unbalancing opponents that Xavi wants to get the best out of quickly.
It won’t be easy. None of his predecessors have done it. Not Ernesto Valverde, the coach when Dembele arrived in 2017, Quique Setien or Ronald Koeman.
It’s known that Dembele is a player you have to guide, advise and orientate. In that sense, he had that from Thomas Tuchel at Borussia Dortmund. The coach left, shortly before Dembele did.
He played 49 games at the time and scored 10 goals, adding 21 assists. He won the German cup, with Dembele scoring in the final against Eintracht, and finished third in the Bundesliga. They were knocked out in the UCL quarters by Mbappe and Falcao’s Monaco.
Dembele was at his best under Tuchel and Barcelona paid 135 million euros for him. But injuries have stopped him performing and there’s the feeling nobody has known how to use him like Tuchel.
Now Xavi’s challenge is to be that man for Dembele. He says he wants his deal renewed and can make him into tone of the best in the world. He’ll need more than a few nice words in public though, with confidence and consistency key.
Barcelona’s medical team have a challenge too, in that regard. Xavi’s new rules might help to stop him getting injured so much - timetables, rest, nutrition, all are important. Xavi was caring with the player on his first day, the first time they have met. And Dembele knows he’s needed, with Xavi wanting wingers to play wide. He can be useful. If there’s anyone who can resurrect Dembele, it’s Xavi Hernandez.
