ONE-TIME Celtic wonder Bhoy prospect Karamoko Dembele reckons Ange Postecoglou was not a fan of his style of play.
The 19-year-old joined Ligue 1 side Stade Brest earlier this week after making only two substitute appearances in the first team since the arrival of the Greek-Australian gaffer in June last year.
Dembele, who failed to start a competitive game for the club in his 10 outings, suffered an injury setback in a pre-season match against Bristol City and was ruled out for the first half of the campaign.
He had a cameo role in a meeting with Hearts, but was given 15 minutes after replacing James Forrest in the 3-0 Scottish Cup win over Dundee United at Tannadice in March.
ON THE RUN…Karamoko Dembele turns on the style during his substitute’s appearance in the 3-0 Scottish Cup win over Dundee United at Tannadice in March.
Now the teenager is preparing for a new career in France and, asked by the local media about his lack of game time in Glasgow, answered: “A lot of reasons I can not say, but I think the manager didn’t really like the way I played or saw something that was missing in my game.
“But I am here to prove what I can do. I am not sure why it didn’t work out. But that is God’s plan.”
Dembele continued: “It’s been very difficult for me. When you play so young, there is lots of pressure. It is what it is. I deal with it well. I enjoy my football, so this does not matter.
“I love the French culture and I watch a lot of French football, the big teams like Marseille and PSG.
“I have also watched a lot of Brest since I came here, so I know a lot about the team.
“I am here to play as much football as I can, have fun and do my best. I am actually strong for my size, but I don’t think size matters in football.
“You have other qualities to compensate for size. Physicality has never been an issue for me.”
FRENCH LEAVE…Karamoko Dembele puts pen to paper to seal his move to Stade Brest.
Dembele, who agreed a four-year deal with Brest, added: “I like the way Brest play and it is a good league.
“These are all the factors that came to me picking Brest. I like entertaining fans and having fun. I like to score goals and do all the things an attacker needs.
“I prefer the right wing and I like playing in number 10. I can play for Scotland, England and Ivory Coast.
“I just need to focus here first, though.
“I have learned the Ivory Coast culture more as my parents are from there, but I grew up with the Scottish culture. However, I have played for the English youth national teams, too.”
