Antoine Griezmann and Barcelona both have a problem

Barcelona have a problem with Antoine Griezmann. And he has a problem with Barca. The French forward’s performances are far below the expectations generated by his transfer - 120 million euros plus 15m in compensation. The footballer feels uncomfortable with the role he has, far from what he was used to at Atletico. This is his second season at Camp Nou and his numbers have not improved. The opposite. Even Koeman is worried. He’s given Griezmann criticism and in SPORT’s exclusive interview, he spoke of the doubts the striker generates and suffers from.

It’s a confidence problem. The coach looked at it with his usual transparency. “We are helping him. But it all depends on him,” said Koeman. Beyond his poor goalscoring numbers - 17 in 57 games, just two in nine this season, and his low participation in attack - five assists - the worst is the sensation he gives on the pitch. And the lack of connection with his team-mates. The complaints about his positioning and incompatibility with Messi are not good enough excuses.

To keep hoping he ‘explodes’ as the star he is, or was, is getting harder. We’re heading down a cul-de-sac, what to do with Griezmann? Koeman will keep giving him chances. Because he sees he is working and trying, there’s no criticism to be made in that regard. But that’s not sufficient to be a Barca starter. A player of his price and quality should be decisive. And for now, he isn’t. The solution to the problem could be left until June, but getting to the end of the season, a decision has to be made. Griezmann and Barca have to do it. The problem is for both. Now the international break will give him time to reflect.