Dembélé? Let People Show How They Feel…

Coverage of the Pre-Champions League Press Conference on SPORT Xavi on Dembélé: “I Hold No Grudge” Xavi Hernández discussed Dembélé in the press conference / EFE

Xavi Hernández suffered a harsh blow last summer with the unexpected departure of Ousmane Dembélé, one of the players he had staunchly defended. In the first leg at the Parc des Princes, the Barcelona coach crossed paths with the Frenchman again. How will he be received, and how should the Barcelona fans react?

Xavi made reference to Dembélé a couple of times in the pre-match press conference ahead of the Champions League quarter-final second leg at Montjuïc. “I greeted him before the match, but we haven’t spoken further. He approached me before the match, but I was busy. Let people show how they feel,” he commented, without trying to influence public sentiment.

THE FAREWELL Regarding how he experienced Dembélé’s departure, the Vallesano said, “I felt bad; I was in an extraordinary moment. I hold no grudge; tomorrow I will greet him, as I did in Paris. With respect, I appreciate him.”

He also referred to the atmosphere at Montjuïc, rallying the Barcelona fans: “Tomorrow it has to be a cauldron. There will be tough moments. We have to be a team: fans and players. It changes, yes, of course. The scenario won’t be the same.”