Griezmann loses out in Koeman's new pecking order
The Dutch coach has changed his plan for bigger games and Griez is the victim
Antoine Griezmann was not picked against Sevilla, a surprise move from Ronald Koeman. He was not happy with the Frenchman’s game against PSG. Last year he benched Griezmann for big games and was rewarded with a reaction in January when he got many goals.
Koeman was angry after PSG, believing he could go toe-to-toe with them as Neymar and Di Maria were out, now he realises he was mistaken. Barca, today, can only face the big teams in Europe by playing a more cautious way, with less attack and harder working in midfield. The preference is for Messi and Dembele, who have much more fluid movement. They shredded Sevilla.
Griezmann is not the decisive player Barca hoped for. Koeman likes his sacrifice and professionalism but Barca need faster players who can unbalance teams up front. That’s why he wanted Memphis Depay in January.
Griezmann is far behind his compatriot Dembele in the rotation. Pedri’s injury creates a space in the team and it might see him come back in, but for now it’s clear that Griezmann will be less involved in the bigger games. PSG did a lot of damage and Koeman now needs a more balanced team for those kind of games.
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