The latest comments on the part of Barcelona head coach Xavi have piqued widespread attentions on Tuesday.
This comes after the Spanish tactician pointed towards Paris Saint-Germain as the favourites for the upcoming Champions League tie between the clubs.
His reasoning? Ousmane Dembélé.
Wide-man Dembélé, of course, swapped Catalunya for Paris last summer, a move which left many of a Barcelona persuasion with a bitter taste in their mouths.
The club’s headmaster, though, evidently bears no ill will towards his former attacking star.
In fact, speaking on Tuesday, Xavi revealed that he and Dembélé exchanged pleasantries, after learning of their impending meeting on the continent:
“We sent messages with Dembélé when the draw ended. I told him that we would see each other in Paris. I wish him the best, I have a lot of admiration for him.”
From here, Barca’s boss then went as far as to point towards the France international as the decisive figure in making PSG the favourites to advance to the Champions League’s semi-finals:
“He decided unilaterally to come to Paris. That’s why they are favorites, because they removed one of the best players in the summer.”
Conor Laird | GSFN
