Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Barca’s sporting director Eric Abidal has revealed what he told Ousmane Dembele when the latter joined Blaugrana.
“Ousmane is a very talented player, in his first year he was not at his best but I know it cost him. When he arrived I talked to him and said: “You have to open with me and tell me whether you are doing everything it takes to be a starter and key player at this team.
“He said: ‘I’m missing many things, I need to learn Spanish, understand everything, the philosophy, the tactics…
“And then I said: “Look, I’m here, whatever you need, you tell me and I will pass it on to the coach and I will help you with whatever it takes.
“Then he picked an injury that separated him from the field. At Barca is like that, when you are playing less you can lose that hunger of wanting to prove yourself.
“With Ousmane, Barca plays differently. He should note that he is an important player for the squad and I am sure he will adapt and will play 30-40 games a year at a high level”.
So far this season, the Frenchman has scored one goal across seven matches. Unfortunately, he’s once out with an injury. Ous joined from Borussia Dortmund in a move worth €105m plus a reported €40m in add-ons