Quique Setien Insists Antoine Griezmann Is 'Fine' Amid Rumoured Barcelona Discontent

Barcelona boss Quique Setien has insisted there are no problems with Antoine Griezmann, despite reports suggesting that the forward is considering his future at the club.

Griezmann has been afforded just 10 minutes of action in Barça's last two games, including a 60 second cameo against former club Atletico Madrid.

It is the latest blow in what has been a frustrating debut season for the 29-year-old. The player's agent supposedly demanded a meeting with the club's hierarchy over his playing time recently and he has struggled to co-exist with Lionel Messi on the pitch.

But when Setien was quizzed on the situation, ahead of Barcelona's clash with Villarreal, he insisted that there are no problems to speak of.

"The footballer is fine, I have exchanged words with him. He is a great professional," he said, in quotes carried by MARCA. "He is a player who can understand this situation at heart, as has happened to him in other stages of his soccer life. He is an extraordinary kid, tremendously professional and it will not affect him when he returns to play

Setien added that competition for places was healthy for a successful squad, arguing that he can't win with the press no matter who he chooses to start.

"If he plays, you ask me why not Ansu Fati plays... everyone cannot play and I decide based on my criteria, based on what they contribute," he explained.

"I'm not capricious. I take into account the hierarchy, but in a club like Barcelona, ​​with so many great players, I don't everyone will be able to play. I know some of them will be angry, but they can't all be. It is my decision and I have to take responsibility. "

Setien is understood to be on his last legs at Barcelona. The Catalan giants are four points adrift of Real Madrid in La Liga's title race and many senior players are said to be unhappy with his leadership. Reports have even surfaced that club legend Xavi has already agreed to take over manager next season.

When asked about those rumours, the former Real Betis boss was coy in his response.

"I do not spend a minute thinking about what can happen to me," Setien claimed. "I focus on the things that I have to focus on, maintain the level of demand. You have to be more correct. But I do not spend a second on my personal situation."