ANTOINE GRIEZMANN appeared to take a swipe at his Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman by saying France manager Didier Deschamps ‘knows where to play me’.
Griezmann scored after just eight minutes of France’s 2-1 win away at Croatia in the Nations League – his 32nd for his country, passing Les Bleus legend Zinedine Zidane’s total for his nation.
Anotine Griezmann netted for France – but his time at Barcelona is less rosyCredit: AFP or licensors
Griezmann is being played out of position by Ronald Koeman, according to his France boss Didier DeschampsCredit: Reuters
His form for Barcelona has been far less thrilling after being shunted out to the right wing, failing to score or assist in the Catalans’ opening three LaLiga game
And speaking after the Croatia game, Griezmann revealed that national boss Deschamps is playing him in his favoured position in a veiled swoop at Koeman’s tactics.
He told AS: “The coach knows where to put me so I took advantage of this advantageous situation and the confidence of the coach and my teammates.”
It comes just a week after Deschamps revealed that Griezmann is unhappy with his new role at Barcelona under Koeman.
His favourite position behind the striker has been taken by Philippe Coutinho, with Koeman opting for Lionel Messi to lead the line.
Deschamps said: “I’m talking to him and I’ll see him later. I am sure he is not happy with this situation.
“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.
Griezmann is yet to score or record an assist in three La Liga games for BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
“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.”
Deschamps has also blamed Barcelona for Griezmann missing three-straight spot-kicks for his country, because he ‘doesn’t take them’ for his club.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
