Xavi is urging Ousmane Dembele to make an effort after contract negotiations between the Frenchman and Barcelona hit an obstacle.
The 24-year-old has entered the final six months of his contract at the club, meaning he is able to begin talking with other clubs over a free transfer at the end of the season.
Dembele s Barca career has been largely disappointing since joining from Borussia Dortmund for a reported €105million in 2017, with injuries restricting him to just 86 LaLiga appearances from a possible 165.
Yet, ever since Xavi was appointed as Ronald Koeman s replacement in November, the new coach has frequently spoken of his admiration for Dembele, repeatedly backing him to be the best player in the world in his position.
Xavi remains hopeful in li…
If Brian Flores can sue the NFL for its racist hiring practices when it comes to selecting coaches, then Gus Johnson should be allowed to sue television networks for whitewashing the NFL broadcasting booth. With preseason games and Week 1 officially in the NFL’s rearview mirror, fans have had a chance to see every lead broadcasting duo that will call games this season. ESPN has Joe Buck and Troy Aikman. Kevin Burkhardt and Greg Olsen are at FOX. Jim Nantz and Tony Romo are still at CBS. Amazon has Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit. And NBC has Cris Collinsworth and Mike Tirico. Not a single Black man in sight. If you’re in the know, then that last line made you chuckle. If you aren’t, you think that line is omitting Tirico. Well, despite his skin color or what he would be listed …