“Dembélé has two ways: renew or leave Barça now”

Xavi Hernández, coach of Barcelona, ​​appeared this Wednesday at a press conference in advance of the Copa del Rey round of 16 match against Athletic that will be played this Thursday at San Mamés (9:30 p.m., Mediaset, DAZN). Dembélé was the star theme.

What game do you expect? Have you taken as a reference the game in August in which Barça drew 1-1?

Athletic is a very intense rival, with one of the best coaches in Spain, who works very well. He is an intense rival. It will require a lot of quality from us when the ball is released, the second ball. Athletic may be facing one of the best batches of recent years. He works very well and is also an example for us. It’s going to cost us. The draw has not been very favorable for us but we want to go far and the Cup is one of the illusions of the season. We have to be competitive in the areas, stop the cons… But I see a daily improvement that makes me optimistic.

What will he do with Dembélé?

With Ousmane, we are in a complex situation. The club has made the decision that if it does not renew, a solution must be found. We cannot be in this situation. We have waited a long time. Mateu has been in conversation with the player and his agents for five months and we cannot wait any longer. Either renew, or you have to find a solution for the player.

Will not play in Bilbao?

We will decide tomorrow. The player knows that I have been honest with him. It is not a pleasant situation, but we have to stop in our tracks. ‘Caixa or faixa’. We feel bad, but what prevails are the interests of the club and we have to decide what is best for the entity.

Will the rest of the season go to the stands?

This situation is not considered. Either renew or leave. There is no more solution. We only see two ways. I think we have been clear with him. I don’t understand the situation. He wants to renew, but does not make the decision. And we have no other choice. Or caixa or faixa. The one that stays in the stands is not contemplated.

How is it explained that Dembélé says one thing and the agent another?

It’s a question for him, I don’t know. I don’t want to reply to anyone. I have been taught in my house to have respect for everyone. But either one solution or another. Either renew, or we have to find an exit solution. He tells me he wants to continue. Tomorrow there is a transcendental game, but I think I have been very clear. There are two solutions. Either it renews or a solution is sought to get it out.

Does he play in Bilbao tomorrow?

Tomorrow we will decide. There is an antigen test and tomorrow the club will decide.

Has Dembélé disappointed you?

No. It is the last question I answer from Dembélé.

There is a current in the networks that asks for the substitution of Busquets. Do you understand her?

They are the results. They also criticize me. Sergio is essential as a captain, on and off the pitch. It is spectacular. You already know that you made a mistake against Madrid. They are moments of form. But for me he is an unquestionable player, a very important piece for the game gear, and more like we want to play. What we have to avoid are other cons. Busquets is the best player in the world if we are together. It is normal at Barça that there is criticism. It is a performance issue. Mine as a coach, that of Busquets, that of the goalkeeper, the center forward if he doesn’t score goals. It is normal. It is the pressure we have to bear. I remember a debate in the National Team with Busquets in 2010, that he should not play. And we were world champions with Busquets a key player. The debate will always exist.

Is Alves a patch?

It will be a performance issue. I think Dani is performing well. After losing against Madrid, the glass is half empty and black. We had to see why we lost the game, but Dani is a very important player and he will be. And, at the end of the season, we’ll see.

How do you see Ansu?

You have to dose him so as not to lose him again. You have to feel comfortable. He has a star and a goal, he grew up as a striker. He is a spectacular player and we have him almost one hundred percent. Pedri is one hundred percent. Ansu we are going to take it in another way

¿Y Memphis?

He has minor discomfort. I am looking for a player for the match against Athletic who will go to space and interpret the game. You can play Jutglà, Ferran Torres, Ansu…

What memories do you have of the Athletic field?

I have come out of there sometimes looking like an Athletic player. I have admiration for Athletic. He has a very good idea of ​​home players, he makes them special. I am delighted to return yesterday. They have treated me well and I have deep admiration for that club.

Have you talked to Araújo about his renewal?

It’s a priority, yes. It is an important piece for me and for the team. It has a winning character and it is important that a quick agreement is reached. I am very happy with his performance on the pitch and how he is in the group. These footballers are very grateful. It all adds up and Ronald adds up a lot.

How’s Braithwaite?

He has an extraordinary winning character. He has recovered deadlines and we have one more player. He will give us things. You can have minutes and help us.