‘He doesn’t have the ability to take the ball and beat opponents on the wing like others’: France chief Didier Deschamps says Antoine Griezmann is ‘unhappy’ being played out of position by Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman
- Antoine Griezmann has been playing out wide on the right for Barcelona
- However Didier Deschamps has claimed the 29-year-old is unhappy in the role
- Deschamps criticised new Barca boss Ronald Koeman over his use of Griezmann
- France boss believes the 29-year-old should be playing behind the forward
Didier Deschamps has claimed that Antoine Griezmann has already been left unsettled playing under Ronald Koeman at Barcelona after being forced out wide in the attack.
The France international featured on the right side in Barca’s 1-1 draw with Sevilla on Sunday, with Philippe Coutinho and Ansu Fati in supporting roles behind Lionel Messi.
It has not proved a one-off, with Griezmann playing in a similar position in the previous clash which saw them beat Celta Vigo 3-0.
Antoine Griezmann has been left ‘unhappy’ after playing out wide for Barcelona
France boss Didier Deschamps claims he is not being played in his best position
Deschamps believes Koeman, who arrived at the Nou Camp in the summer, is not playing the 29-year-old in his best role just behind the striker. The France boss spoke on Monday ahead of upcoming matches against Ukraine, Portugal and Croatia.
‘I’m talking to him and I’ll see him later. I am sure he is not happy with this situation,’ Deschamps said.
‘I don’t interfere with the use of my players in other clubs, be at Barca or anyone else.
‘Antoine is playing on the right there at the moment. It’s true that Koeman said, and told him, that he did not understand that he was used to playing in a more central position. But Antoine must also adapt today.
Griezmann has been deployed on the right side of the attack in Barcelona’s two previous games including in the 1-1 draw against Sevilla (above)
Deschamps has already criticised new Barca boss Ronald Koeman (above) for not using the France star in his best position of just behind the forward
‘For me, he is still more effective when he is in the heart of the game, when he is able to touch the ball a lot. In that position, he has the possibility to come and help in the midfield too.
‘He doesn’t have the ability to take the ball and beat opponents on the wing like others. He needs to touch the ball a lot and he is smart in his movement.’
Koeman’s use of Griezmann suggests something of a U-turn for the Dutchman having previously criticised his predecessor Quique Setien for not deploying the France star in his preferred role.
‘With all my respect, Griezmann must play in his position,’ he told Dutch outlet NOS
‘It is not an extreme. It is not. You have to play in your role. This is where the most important part of a coach comes in, knowing your players well and getting the most out of them.’
