France national team coach claims Griezmann “unhappy” at Barcelona
France National Team tactician Didier Deschamps claims that one of his flagship players, Antoine Griezman, did not enjoy the role he played with Barcelona. What is the reason?
The quality of Antoine Griezmann himself cannot be doubted, he has won the world title with the France national team and has been a mainstay player for Atletico Madrid for approximately five seasons.
However, since moving to Barcelona, Griezmann’s fate has been unsightly. He failed to win the title with the Catalan Giants, even worse, he was often criticized for not performing as expected.
In fact, Griezmann wasn’t completely wrong, he was just being played in a position he shouldn’t have. Naturally, Barcelona prefers Lionel Messi in the position of a winger.
Forcing himself to play as a left winger seems to make Griezmann appear disappointing.
This season, there is little new hope under the direction of new manager Ronald Koeman. The Dutch coach even guaranteed a position in the first team to the France national team player.
Indeed, at first he looks like a regular starter, but getting here the situation looks the same as last season. No wonder Deschamps said that Griezmann was actually not happy with his current situation at Barcelona.
“I spoke with him and will see him soon. I am sure he is not happy with this situation,”
“I will not interfere in the affairs of my players at his club, either Barca or others. Antoine is playing on the right there at the moment.” Deschamps told Goal international.
Furthermore, Deschamps advised coach Ronald Koeman about where the best position is for Antoine Griezmann, given the player’s current position as a center forward.
“It is true that Koeman said, and I spoke to him, that he did not understand that Griezmann used to be playing in a more central position. However, Antoine has to adapt now.”
“For me, he is still more effective when he is the center of the game, when he can touch the ball a lot. In that position [central attacker], he can step back and help the midfield.” continued Deschamps.