‘He’s an important player’: Ronald Koeman denies rift with Antoine Griezmann ahead of Saturday’s El Clasico after French striker was dropped for Champions League win over Ferencvaros
- Barcelona take on Real Madrid in the first El Clasico match of the LaLiga season
- Antoine Griezmann could return to the line-up after being dropped in midweek
- The Frenchman was left on the bench for Barcelona’s 5-1 win over Ferencvaros
- Barcelona’s Ronald Koeman insists there is no rift between him and Griezmann
Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman insisted the club does not have a problem with Antoine Griezmann ahead of Saturday’s Clasico showdown with Real Madrid.
Griezmann joined Barca from Atletico Madrid for £108million in 2019, however he has yet to find his feet at the Camp Nou and has not scored for the club so far this season.
He was omitted from the starting lineup for Barca’s 5-1 hammering of Ferencvaros in the Champions League on Wednesday, however Koeman said that too much is being made of the situation.
Ronald Koeman (right) says there is no problem between him and Antoine Griezmann (left)
The Frenchman was an unused substitute for Barcelona’s 5-1 win over Ferencvaros in midweek
‘He’s (Griezmann) got a chance of starting, just like any other player. It’s not good to discuss this every game,’ the Dutchman told a news conference.
‘He’s an important player, but we want all our players to be at their best. The team is the most important thing and we’ll pick the best players for the game tomorrow.’
Griezmann is still goalless after four LaLiga matches played so far this term. Last year, the Frenchman scored 15 goals in 48 matches in all competitions, including nine in the Spanish top-flight.
Griezmann is yet to score in four LaLiga matches this term ahead of Saturday’s El Clasico derby
Saturday’s clash with Real Madrid will be Ronald Koeman’s first Clasico as Barcelona manager
The 29-year-old was dropped from the Champions League starting line-up in midweek as Lionel Messi led the line, with Francisco Trincao, Philippe Coutinho and youngster Ansu Fati playing behind the Barcelona captain.
Griezmann was also left on the bench as attackers Ousmane Dembele and Pedri both entered the field of play, with both substitutes ending up on the scoresheet.
Barcelona take on arch rivals Real Madrid on Saturday looking to leapfrog them in the LaLiga table.
