Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman has insisted there is no falling out between himself and Antoine Griezmann after the Frenchman was dropped midway through their Champions League triumph.
The 29-year-old was apparently intent on ditching the Dutch string-puller during the recent international break, claiming that his impressive form for the national team saw Didier Deschamps deploy him in his most effective role.
Ronald Koeman insists the Frenchman remains an ‘important’ part of his side / Alex Kipros/Getty Images
Griezmann has endured a quiet start to life under Koeman in Catalonia, often being used on the right of the Dutchman’s newly introduced 4-2-3-1. He has yet to gain any goals or support, however, his role seems to be more active.
The Frenchman’s indifferent form to start the campaign saw him beat Ferencvaros 5-1 in midweek, but Koeman refused to make too much of the situation ahead of Saturday’s Clasico.
“she is [Griezmann] Got a chance to start like any other player. It’s not good to discuss it every game,” the Barcelona boss said in a press conference (via Daily Mail ).
“He is an important player, but we want all our players to do their best. The team is the most important thing and we will pick the best players for tomorrow’s game. [Saturday]”
Griezmann was an unused substitute in the European victory as Ousmane Dembele and 17-year-old Pedri came on to seal an emphatic win. The Frenchman’s replacement on the night, summer addition Francisco Trincao, was also impressive and speculation has emerged as to whether the former Braga star will start on Saturday.
Catalans shine without Griezmann on Tuesday night / Alex Kipros/Getty Images
The Catalans certainly looked a more fluid, cohesive unit with Trincao. Although it has to be said that the majority of La Blaugrana’s attacking play comes from the left flank through Ansu Fati, who has formed a lethal dynamic with Jordi Alba and has a good understanding with number ten Philippe Coutinho. Is.
After often serving as a left-back under Ernesto Valverde and struggling for minutes with Quick Setien at the helm, little seems to have changed for Griezmann at Barcelona this term.