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Barcelona news: Ernesto Valverde sent angry warning ahead of Chelsea clash
BARCELONA have to do more to get the best out of Ousmane Dembele.
Those are the thoughts of La Liga expert Terry Gibson.
Dembele completed a £135.5million move to Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund last summer, however he has had a rocky time at the Nou Camp.
After sustaining a hamstring injury, Dembele, who returned to action in January, has made just two starts for the Catalan giants.
Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde decided against playing the 20-year-old in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League clash against Chelsea and instead was left on the bench.
And Gibson has been critical, insisting Valverde to a certain extent has a duty to ensure his high-profile signings aren’t left to “rot on the bench”.
Ousmane Dembele has had a rocky time at Barcelona
There are other aspects that need to be taken care of - he can’t leave him to rot on the bench
“It was a surprise Dembele didn’t come on against Chelsea,” Gibson told the La Liga podcast.
“He’s 20 years old, has limited experience, but he comes with an unbelievable price-tag.
“Something has to give.”
On discussing Valverde’s treatment of Dembele, Gibson added: “You have a responsibility as a manger for so many aspects of the club.
“One of them is to protect an asset and not let them diminish.
Ernesto Valverde doesn't really fancy Ousmane Dembele at the moment
“If Dembele is not happy he could leave in the summer, but Barcelona won’t get anywhere near what they paid for him.
“It’s sill a company that can’t afford to do that and panic buy.
“Yes Valverde has to pick the best players, but there are other aspects that need to be taken care of - he can’t leave him to rot on the bench.”
Barcelona, who beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 on Sunday, host Chelsea in the second leg of their Champions League tie a week on Wednesday.