Barcelona’s lack of patience has been blamed for Ousmane Dembele’s reoccurring injuries that has recently seen the Frenchman out for six months.
Ousmane Dembele joined Barcelona at the back of a world-record transfer of Neymar to Paris Saint Germain for $263 million. but has failed to live up to the expectations.
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A daunting reoccurring injury spell at the Nou Camp has seen the French international sidelined for most of his days with Barca. His recent setback during a clash against former club Borussia Dortmund after just 24 minutes into the game on November saw the former Rennes forward sidelined once again.
After nearing a healthy return to the first team, Dembele was said to be the new January signing for the newly appointed coach, Quique Setien, but a sudden injury that tore his hamstring saw the World Cup winner out of action for another six months leaving Blaugrana to sign Martin Braithwaite from Leganes as an emergency signing.
French newspaper L’Equipe reports that the 22-year-old is determined more than ever to make his successful comeback at Barca and has become a professional athlete.
Dembele’s full-time chef, Anthony Audebaud insists that the Frenchman has improved his off-field lifestyle in order to make a successful recovery,
"“There are no longer any pre-cooked products or soft drinks, there are only fresh and healthy products, Ousmane is good at playing football and he thought that was enough, but he has grown and learnt [from his mistakes],” he said.“Today, he eats sea bream, sea bass, chicken and many vegetables. It’s hard to see all this work and bad luck with injuries because they have never taken care of him so much. He is a very calm. home-oriented boy; he never has parties at home. I have imposed meal times because he asked me to and now everything is planned,. written and professional.”Source AS"
The report also claims that the training at Barca has been inadequate for Ousmane, claiming that the training involves 20% sprints while that figure is increased to 90% during games.
This is a further indication of the existing problem at the training ground as Frankie de Jong and Marc Andre ter Stegen have both complained about the lack of intensity in training as it seems the current method is more aimed towards their veteran stars.
Michel Troin, former assistant manager at Rennes, claimed that the reason for Dembele’s downfall was that he was rushed to become a star at Barca,
"“Ousmane is not responsible for his situation. He is the victim of a precocious talent. At Rennes we had huge pressure on training and matches, only we didn’t kill him.” he said“If you see the photos, his bone development had not finished; he still had growing to do. There was a rush to make him play because he is a phenomenon and now he is paying for it.”Source AS"
Ousmane is not to be blamed for his situation claims the report, he is the unfortunate victim of his incredible talent. It remains to be seen what the future holds for the young Frenchman as Blaugrana look to add reinforcements to the existing roster to aid Messi to live his final days in glory.
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