Lionel Messi, Ansu Fati, Philippe Coutinho scored when Barcelona opened the season in the Champions League. Young rookie Pedri and even "disappointed" Ousmane Dembele also put his name on the scoreboard when the home team at Camp Nou beat Ferencvaros 5-1.
Barca fans were happy with the victory, the media emphasized the records of Messi and Fati or even Gerard Pique's red card. No one mentioned Antoine Griezmann. Where were you in that victory?
The French striker was on the bench throughout the match. Coach Ronald Koeman took advantage of all 5 substitutions, but did not mention Griezmann. He did not even crave to look at where Grizzy was sitting, quiet and content.
What did Griezmann think at that time? A regret? Hated because in an sudden moment, you said things you shouldn't say?
From the initial favor...
Many people probably remember that when Koeman was first appointed, he showed why he was nicknamed "lieutenant". Declared to cut all privileges of Messi, and at the same time " returned Griezmann to a position where he could promote his abilities".
In the disappointment of Messi and Luis Suarez falling into a state of disarray, Koeman wants Griezmann to be the locomotive for his revolution, despite still having a plan to bring Memphis Depay back. But in the end, the Dutch student did not come, Messi changed his mind to stay, Suarez left, and Griezmann became a disappointment. As usual throughout last season...
When Messi stays, Koeman will be forced to consider how to arrange him and Griezmann. The 57-year-old coach did not do what he said, because Griezmann was still pushed to the right wing, Messi was playing in the "number 9" position. And of course, when nothing changes, disappointment continues.
In the 4 matches he started in La Liga, Griezmann did not have a single goal or assist. In return, the number of missed opportunities keep following...
If you don't save yourself, you will " miss your mouth"
Former striker Rivaldo tried to defend Griezmann when he thought he needed time to regain confidence. At that time, the possibility will be promoted. It is true that time is very necessary, but the price like Griezmann took advantage of it silently.
After 3 rounds in Liga as a winger, Griezmann focused on the French national team and was pulled into the middle by coach Didier Deschamps, playing behind the two strikers. He scored 1 goal and was the best player in the 2-1 victory over Croatia.
Showing his excitement, or also known as relaxation, Griezmann stood in front of the media and shared: "It's because the coach knows how to put me in the right position and therefore, I benefit from the support of my teammates, the trust of the coaches and teammates".
He did not say any name, but it was different from a punch aimed at Koeman!? And Koeman took action.
has Griezmann "claimed a sentence"?
After the national teams' schedule, La Liga returned and Barca visited Getafe. As Griezmann wanted, he was placed in the middle, in the role of "number 9". As a result, for the first time in 16 matches, Barca did not score any goals, losing 0-1, while Griezmann missed a penny-and-a-dozen chance.
Rivaldo is right, Griezmann's problem is not playing in any position but he needs to be in a team that he feels most confident in when everyone else believes in him. But unfortunately for Grizzy, Lieutenant Koeman did not forget what he said, and after failing to take advantage of the weekend opportunity, he was pushed to the bench in the match early this morning.
It is difficult to say that Koeman gave him the energy ahead of the El Clasico against Real Madrid at the weekend as if it were more of a punishment. What will happen in the coming time will show more clearly whether Griezmann has "dedicated" himself or not?
