Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Barcelona news: Ernesto Valverde reveals the truth on Ousmane Dembele’s future
ERNESTO VALVERDE has revealed the truth about Ousmane Dembele's Barcelona future.
Ousmane Dembele has struggled for form since joining Barcelona
The Frenchman has been heavily criticised since his recent return from injury.
The youngster played 63 minutes against Espanyol in the Catalan Super Cup on Wednesday evening.
And after the game, Valverde addressed some of the rumours surrounding Dembele's future.
"This question surprises me a bit," he said.
"All of the players off the field are the most professional in the world to perform on Sunday and in the case of Dembele, they use trusted people, nutritionists.
Ernesto Valverde has publicly backed Ousmane Dembele after recent reports
We are happy with him and he is going to help us a lot.
"We are happy with him and he is going to help us a lot."
And the former Bilbao boss was quick to praise Dembele's performance after his recent run of poor form.
"He tried to get involved in play and has worked on individuals moves and it is useful for use," he added.
"Little by little.
"We hope that he translates that into Liga games."
Dembele's Barcelona career has so far been plagued by injuries.
But the 20-year-old will be hoping he is still selected for this summer's World Cup by French boss Didier Deschamps.
Dembele signed for the Catalan outfit for £93m in the summer.