Ronald Koeman Dismisses Antoine Griezmann Rift Ahead of Clasico
Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman has insisted there is no rift between Antoine Griezmann and himself after the Frenchman was dropped for their Champions League victory in midweek.
The 29-year-old seemingly aimed a dig at the Dutch string-puller during the recent international break, claiming his impressive form for the national team was down to Didier Deschamps deploying him in his most effective role.
Griezmann has endured a quiet start to life under Koeman in Catalonia, often utilised on the right side of the Dutchman's newly introduced 4-2-3-1. He's yet to notch either a goal or an assist, however, with his role appearing more functional.
The Frenchman's indifferent form to start the campaign saw him dropped for the 5-1 rout of Ferencvaros in midweek, but Koeman refused to make too much of the situation ahead of Saturday's Clasico.
"He's [Griezmann] got a chance of starting, just like any other player. It's not good to discuss this every game," the Barcelona boss told a press conference (via the Daily Mail).
"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 [Saturday]."
Griezmann was an unused substitute in the European victory as Ousmane Dembele and 17-year-old Pedri entered the fray to round off an emphatic win. The Frenchman's replacement on the night, summer addition Francisco Trincao, was also impressive and speculation has emerged whether the former Braga star will start on Saturday.
The Catalans certainly appeared a more fluent, cohesive unit with Trincao in the side. Although it has to be said that the majority of La Blaugrana's attacking play comes down the left flank through the precocious Ansu Fati, who's established a deadly dynamic with Jordi Alba and also boasts a good understanding with number ten Philippe Coutinho.
After often serving as a left-winger under Ernesto Valverde and struggling for minutes with Quique Setien at the helm, it seems that little has changed for Griezmann at Barcelona this term.