Ousmane Dembélé: 'We're eager to win the Champions League'

After seventy days of waiting, the Champions League returns. The team will visit Lyon this coming Tuesday with the goal of achieving a result which allows them to dream of the quarterfinals. Ahead of the match, Ousmane Dembélé talked with Club media to analyse the game, comment on his career and the team before this great European duel.

Champions League debut with Barça

"After the defeat in Rome, we were all very disappointed. Even so, beforehand we had played great games against Chelsea both in the first leg of the Round of 16 and the return."

"I remember my first goal in the competition because it was also the first with the team. It was in the group stage and was important to help us qualify."

The group stage

"We played well in the group stage, qualifying after having played some great games, like in London against Tottenham. I was very pleased with our performances."

A very demanding start in 2019 

"During the month of January, in Spain we have the Cup and League matches. There is a lot of tiredness, and then the Champions League arrives in February... we have to keep going."

The ankle injury

"I feel better. I played fifteen minutes against Athletic Club and am getting back to my level gradually. There are some important matches like Valladolid or the Round of 16 against Lyon."

"The injury happened when I felt very well physically. I was being decisive and did a great job during games, but that's the way football is."
 

A dangerous Lyon

"They're a team with very good players and it's very difficult to win there. They demonstrated this season - winning against City and PSG - that we will have to be very attentive and not think that the game will be easy."

"With Samu [Umtiti] we talk about Lyon sometimes. He tells me we'll have to be very careful because they are a great team."

"Fekir - suspended for the first leg - is their best player, but there are other players who have great qualities, and we'll have to watch everyone."

"I look closely at their Ligue1 matches, and I play alongside some of their players in the French national team like Fekir, Mendy or Moussa Dembélé. They are dangerous all over the pitch."

"The OL Stadium is very big and beautiful and it will be a great atmosphere when they receive Barça. We will have to be very concentrated."

His performance levels

"I've done ok. I started being decisive at first but had a phase in November where I sat on the bench more. It's normal during a season to go through difficult times, but I have faith in myself and I will try to continue to show what I can do and be decisive for the team."

"It's important to score in the key moments. I'm a striker and I have to be decisive when the team is at their best. We have to be focused on our goals. We want to win titles, win the Champions League and also the League, of course!"

"The goal against Atlético in the last minute was important. At that time we were losing and when Leo passed the ball, I saw Oblak very close to me. I didn't think about it and I scored."

The chemistry with Messi

"It's great, he makes football easier. I give him the ball and he does incredible things. When he's on the pitch it's easier for a forward, because the rivals focus mainly on him."