According to reports, Barcelona manager Xavi intends to use Ousmane Dembele only in away matches until the conclusion of the season. The club's supporters and the player are reportedly at odds right now, prompting Xavi to come up with this creative solution.
Dembele, who joined the Blaugrana in the summer of 2017, has been the subject of countless stories in recent weeks. To extend his stay at the club, the Frenchman initially requested a big pay increase. When the Catalans refused, he informed the board that he wanted to finish his contract and depart for free the next summer. Barcelona's board of directors didn't want to lose their €140 million summer acquisition for nothing, so they pressed him to either go in January or sign a new contract. Barca have reluctantly permitted the winger to stay at the club until the summer after failing to find him a suitor in time.
On Sunday, Dembele sat on the bench as his team won a crucial 4-2 match against Atletico Madrid at Camp Nou. Despite not playing, the 24-year-old was booed by home fans as his name was shouted over the loudspeaker alongside other benchwarmers before kick-off. According to madrid-barcelona.com (via El Nacional), Xavi has seen the rivalry between the player and the fans and has provided a solution. Dembele will reportedly be used in road matches to insulate him from the hostile environment, according to the former Barcelona midfielder. The manager still believes the France international can help his team and wants to give him a chance to prove himself.
In an emergency, Dembele may play for Barcelona at Camp Nou.
Xavi's decision to just use the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder in away matches could prove to be a brilliant one. That does not rule out the possibility of Dembele returning to Camp Nou in the future. Dembele will be the first to get the call if Xavi needs someone other than Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ferran Torres, and Adama Traore. If Sunday's welcome is any indicator, the fugitive star will have a difficult time. During his next visit to Camp Nou, it will be intriguing to observe how he reacts to the hatred.
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