Griezmann: will he leave or make the step up?

As painful as it may be, Barça needs to start thinking about the post-Messi era. This argument was put forward yesterday by Joan Laporta, in what was toughest and most emotional press conference that he has given over his two mandates as club president. It is an era that the club needs to embrace, approach head on and look to with optimism. The club needs to shape a new side that is capable of winning titles once more, despite how difficult that might seem at the moment.

One player who could play an important role in this new chapter, but who would need to make a step up, is Antoine Griezmann. To date, the French international has struggled to find a natural place in the line-up at Camp Nou. At Atlético de Madrid, he popped up everywhere along the attacking band, playing with freedom in a supporting role to the number 9. At Barça, this role has always been carried out by Messi, leaving Griezmann to undertake other tasks requiring greater work ethic, sacrifice and tactical discipline.

If he stays at Camp Nou, something which is far from certain, he will need to make a step up. Instead of playing a supporting role, he will need to assume greater responsibility and become the team's star attacker. Koeman likes the player and has never hidden the fact that he wants him to stay, despite the club's efforts to reduce its wage bill.

NOTHING IS OFF THE TABLE

As things stand, nothing is off the table. Even without Messi, Barça continues to allocate 95% of its income to player salaries, and Griezmann is now the side's best paid player.