"God save us", "We will not be there" - Barcelona fans unhappy as 2 players start in UCL fixture against Shakhtar Donetsk
Barcelona fans are fearing the worst with Marcos Alonso and Oriol Romeu's inclusion in the starting XI against Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Champions League today (Tuesday, November 7).
Xavi Hernandez and Co. are currently at the summit of Group H in the Champions League with nine points from three games. The Blaugrana defeated Shakhtar 2-1 in the reverse fixture on October 24 with Ferran Torres and Fermin Lopez scoring one goal apiece. They will be hoping for more of the same tonight away from home.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen starts in goal for Barcelona. Joao Cancelo, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, and Marcos Alonso make up the defense. The midfield consists of Oriol Romeu, Gavi, and Ilkay Gundogan. Ferran Torres, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski start up front to complete the starting XI.
Fans are fuming to see Alonso and Romeu make the starting lineup. The former has made just six appearances this season and has failed to impress with Inigo Martinez shining in his stead. Romeu has also failed to win over the Spotify Camp Nou faithful in his 14 appearances this season.
One fan posted on X (formerly Twitter):
"Romeu and Alonso. God save us"
Another fan wrote:
"Holy raphinha, alonso, romeu we will not be there"
"I said I would stay at Barcelona" - PSG star Ousmane Dembele explains controversial summer move
Former Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele admitted he had agreed to stay with the La Liga titans before Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) came calling in the summer.
Dembele had an impressive 2022-23 campaign for the Blaugrana under Xavi Hernandez, scoring eight goals and providing nine assists in 35 appearances, winning La Liga in the process.
Despite Xavi viewing the Frenchman as an integral asset to his plans going forward, Dembele controversially decided to join PSG for €50.4 million. The 26-year-old spoke with L'Equipe, explaining how the transfer materialized (via GOAL):
"Indeed, I said I would stay at Barcelona, but after contacts with PSG I was convinced to leave. Kylian did not try to convince me, I came to Paris because I love the club, it is a French club and I love it. I come from Evreux, not far from here. Everyone here talks about Paris Saint-Germain."
He added:
"It was written that one day I would sign for this club. I have many friends, supporters of the club, who always tried to convince me to come. Was it easy to choose after my best months at Barcelona? I wanted to sign for PSG."
Dembele has struggled at PSG this season, scoring zero goals and providing three assists in 13 appearances across all competitions.