Madrid (dpa)
Xavi, coach of the Spanish football team, Barcelona, said that Ousmane Dembele could become the best player in the world in his position, after Joan Laporta, the club’s president, indicated that his player is better than Kylian Mbappe.
Dembele’s contract, signed by Barcelona in 2017, expires at the end of the season and his name is linked to leaving Barcelona in January.
And the French international will be able to discuss offers from other clubs next month, if he does not reach an agreement with Barcelona to renew his contract.
Laporta revealed yesterday, Thursday, that negotiations with Dembele are proceeding more slowly than expected, but he indicated the next day that the 24-year-old wanted to stay, and told the “TV3” network. The next day he thought Dembele was better than Mbappe.
Laporta said: “We have a very strong relationship with Dembele and he wants to stay. “We want him to stay too because he’s a great player,” he added. These situations need to negotiate with his representatives who want the best for the player. He confirmed, “I am excited about Dembele. He is a better player than Mbappe.
When asked about an update on Dembele’s position, Xavi told reporters: What I know is that it is not just about the economic crisis. “We left him in a very clear position,” he added. He is an important player and has great talent. I said that already, he can be the best player in the world in his position.
It is up to him. “We consider him a major player in this project,” he added. If it is mathematical, he is happy. We will be positive. It is not just about the economic crisis. He wants to feel loved and that’s what he’s going to get.
In response to a question about whether Dembele would participate with the team without signing a contract, Xavi replied: That would not be the goal, if he had a contract I think he should play. He added, “You have to be positive.” But on the other hand, I am clear about this, if you are under contract you have to play, also for the image of the club. I don’t appreciate this option, I don’t think about this.
.