Dembélé: “Messi tells me to calm down; I'm changing …”

This Tuesday, Barcelona faces the first chapter of their round of 16 clash in the Champions League against PSG and Frenchman Ousmane Dembélé has granted an interview to uefa.com in which he reviews the almost four years he has been at the Blaugrana club, talks about some of his teammates and how he envisions the tie against the Parisian team.

Barça's historic comeback against PSG, in 2017.

It is a game that has already gone down in history. Barça managed to come back from 4-0, which is already difficult and in Champons more, with a great team, with world-class players such as Neymar, Leo (Lionel Messi) and Andrés Iniesta.

Does PSG want revenge?

I don't know if it's a media thing, but we don't talk about it. We know it will be a difficult match. We know PSG, they are the last finalist in the Champions League and this year again the favorite to win the title. That comeback was four or five years ago and there have been many changes in both teams.

Conversations with Kimpembe and Mbappé?

No, we haven't talked. Presnel (Kimpembe) has become a regular at PSG and Kylian is difficult to put more qualifiers on him. We are not 'itching' with messages on WhatsApp or anything like that. It's going to be a great elominator.

His evolution at Barça since 2017.

I've changed a lot, even physically, but what hasn't changed is my desire to work and contribute to the team and to help my teammates. I had a lot of physical problems. I'm doing much better this year. But since my arrival in 2017 at the biggest club in the world, many things have changed. When I arrived, it was very fragile. Even when I started professionally at Stade Rennais and later at Borussia Dortmund, I was very fragile and I have evolved a lot in Barcelona with the physical trainers. The way I train, the way I prepare for the games, all that has changed.

Companions and stars.

At Barça there are world-class players. I have been able to share a dressing room with Andrés Iniesta or Luis Suárez, who gave me a lot of advice when I arrived. There is also Lionel Messi, who gives me advice. Watching them play in practice, dribble, get high … that inspires me.

Tips from Messi.

He tells me how to position myself and when to pass, because I like to dribble, when I have the ball, I like to go forward, alone. Sometimes he tells me to calm down, to go out, to wait for a teammate, not to always haggle three or four rivals (laughs). Leo is a genius, we all know him. He is the best footballer in history. He was an inspiration to me when I was younger and still is. Honestly, it is an honor for me to play with him.

Koeman's arrival.

With his arrival, many things have changed. Above all, in training, in the preparation of matches. I am training very well and physically we feel very good, I think the team is at the top. Humanly, the way he handles the group is very good. Everyone is happy with your arrival and the work you are doing. We want to win titles.

Griezmann's contribution.

He really knows how to do everything. He likes to combine with his teammates and ask for the ball at the foot or into space. Honestly, he is one of the players I like the most in today's football.

Self-definition.

I find it difficult to describe myself. I like to dribble, help my teammates to score goals, score me too. What more can be said…