Dembélé: 'Dortmund will be a special match for me'

Ousmane Dembélé is ready for a very special encounter. He couldn't play against his former team in Germany due to an injury, but he will be available for the Camp Nou fixture. The French striker, who played for Borussia Dortmund during the 2016/17 season alongside players such as Götze, Reus and Guerrero, takes a look at the latest Barça news before the big Champions League match on Wednesday.

Upcoming challenges

"We have important matches in the coming weeks, first against Dortmund and then against Atlético. We have to be prepared for these big games." 

"Against Dortmund, we have to win to secure qualification as quickly as possible. It's the most important game in this part of the season. With the support of our fans, we hope to get the three points to be able to go to Inter with peace of mind.

"It's very difficult to win at the Camp Nou because Barça have top-level players, great supporters and it's a club with a lot of history. We have the support of our people and we always try to give everything to win our games at home."

Dembele, against his former club

"Dortmund will be a special match for me. I still have friends amongst my ex-team-mates. We will be rivals, but nothing changes. I left three years ago and I haven't seen them since then. Emotionally, it will be a bit difficult, but I will be happy to see them and to play against them."

"They're a team that attacks and doesn't tend to play defensively. They always play as a team and give everything, wanting to win every game, because they're a great side. They'll come with a lot of intensity, but Camp Nou awaits them!"

Recovered

"During the preseason I was very well. After, I got injured and I was out for a month. When I returned, I had some physical problems. Now I have to fight for my place, because we have a great team and there is more competition than in past seasons. There are many, very good forwards, with a lot of quality, and we're motivated to be even better. We have to progress together and everything will go well. 

"Since my arrival at Barça three years ago I have improved in my preparation for games. I go to the gym and warm up properly. Barça are a great team, with great players and that makes you want to win to give everything."

Your best goal at Barça?

"When I scored against Tottenham, or what I did against Chelsea. I prefer Tottenham because I had a lot of space and I loved it. For me it's my best goal at Barça."

French connection

"I want to show what I can do on the pitch. The whole team helps me, but I especially receive support from Clément (Lenglet) and Samuel (Umtiti).

"With Griezmann we have been friends for a long time and he gives me many tips. He's a very good person and a good friend. He is doing very well with the rest of the group and didn't need much time to adapt."

"Messi is a great player. I watched him on television when I was younger, but playing with him and seeing him in real life is even better. It's an honour for him to tell me that I have talent, but I have to prove it on the pitch."