Why Did Dembélé Perform Less Well at Barcelona Than at PSG? The FC Barcelone Sporting Director Explains

Ousmane Dembélé, the dazzling forward for Paris Saint-Germain, is the talk of the town. A credible candidate for the next Ballon d'Or, the 28-year-old has shone brightly this past season. Voted best player in the Champions League and Ligue 1, with an impressive total of 39 goals across all competitions and 14 assists, including two in the Champions League final against Inter Milan (5-0), Dembélé is thriving under the guidance of Luis Enrique.

However, his spell at FC Barcelona, between 2017 and 2023, left a feeling of unfulfillment. Many have questioned the reasons for this disparity in performance. Robert Fernandez, the former sporting director of Barça who initially signed him, shed some light on the matter in an interview with the Spanish newspaper As.

"Too Young, Injured, and Poorly Supported": Dembélé's Troubles at Barça

According to Robert Fernandez, several factors explain Ousmane Dembélé's mixed period in Catalonia. A central point was the player's youth upon his arrival. "Ousmane arrived too young in Barcelona (20 years old) and, as soon as he arrived, he suffered a setback in Getafe, a hamstring injury that hurt him badly," Fernandez confided. This early injury, combined with his young age, was a major impediment to his integration and development.

The former Blaugrana director also pointed to a lack of adaptation and an environment not conducive to the young talent's flourishing. "Being so young, there were many things he didn't understand, and we also made mistakes by not knowing how to rectify the situation." Fernandez believes Dembélé was "vulnerable" in Barcelona, constantly in the spotlight, with his every move scrutinized. He admitted that "his behavior wasn't always appropriate," but also conceded that the club failed to properly surround and support him as they should have.

Credit Photo : via getty images / l'equipe

Luis Enrique, the Coach Who Changed Everything

Robert Fernandez's conclusion is clear: Ousmane Dembélé found the ideal environment at PSG to express his potential. "He has now found the right coach for him with Luis Enrique's personality," he stated. This privileged relationship with the Spanish coach seems to be a key catalyst for his current success.

The former Barça sporting director didn't hide his regrets: "I wish he had played in Barcelona like he does at PSG... But we weren't very good with him either." Today, at 28, the French international is fully thriving in Paris, and this is spectacularly reflected on the field, making him one of the most formidable and decisive players in world football.