KOEMAN'S GRIEZ GRIPE
Ronald Koeman blasts back at restless Antoine Griezmann telling him ‘I’m in charge’ as Barcelona row intensifies
RONALD KOEMAN has given Antoine Griezmann a verbal dressing down amid reports of a fall out between the pair.
The Nou Camp boss hit back at the France star after the attacker hinted at being dismayed at playing in a three behind star man Lionel Messi.
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Barcelona, currently eighth in LaLiga, face Getafe this evening in their fourth game of the season following their surprise 1-1 draw against Sevilla.
And Koeman, 57, who criticised Griezmann for missing two gilt-edged chances in that encounter, let reporters know responsibility for team formation rests solely with him.
Ahead of the Getafe match the Dutchman told journalists: “I decide based on what's best for the team.
“The coach is in charge and the players must be at their best when they play.
“I have spoken with Antoine and I told him that I'm looking out for what is best for the team. I think he's most effective on the right for us
“He can play in three positions. He could also play as a No 10 or a No 9.
"In fact, when I was the Netherlands boss, in a game against France, he played on the right against us – which is the same at Barcelona.
“I have no problem with Antoine. I can only play one player in each of the three attacking positions. I do not play any players out of position.
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“If he has another position that he likes more, that is the situation, but we cannot have 10 players in the same role.”
Griezmann, 29, who is yet to score for Barcelona this term, is reported to have aimed some veiled barbs at Koeman whilst away on international duty with France.
And the Frenchman was on target for his country netting in their 2-1 win against Croatia playing in his preferred No10 role during the Nations League clash.
Speaking about France coach Didier Deschamp Griezmann said: “The coach knows where to put me.
“I take advantage of this situation, of this place, of the confidence of the coach and my team-mates.”
Griezmann, 29, was among several Barcelona superstars heavily linked with an exit from the Nou Camp, following the club’s financial struggles in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis.
The France ace, who completed a £108million move to Barca from Atletico Madrid last year, netted nine goals in 35 La Liga appearances last term.
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