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How Ronald Koeman Has Already Made Antoine Griezmann Unhappy

How Ronald Koeman Has Already Made Antoine Griezmann Unhappy

The new Barcelona manager has already had to deal with Lionel Messi's unhappiness and he's apparently 'let down' another player.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

Antoine Griezmann is already unhappy with his new manager at Barcelona, according to France boss Didier Deschamps, who has accused Ronald Koeman of breaking a promise.

You have to feel somewhat sorry for Koeman, having got his dream job off the back of Barcelona's most embarrassing defeat and landing in a club in crisis, fighting hard to keep hold of Lionel Messi.

Even after agreeing to stay Messi was aiming digs at the club's hierarchy over the selling of Luis Suarez. Now Koeman has to deal with Griezmann and his national team coach, Deschamps.

Speaking on Monday, ahead of France's games this week, the 1998 World Cup winning captain claimed Koeman had broken a promise to play the former Atletico Madrid player through the middle.

"I'm talking to him [Griezmann] and I'll see him later. I am sure he is not happy with this situation.

"I don't interfere with the use of my players in other clubs, be at Barca or anyone else.

Koeman's not been in the job long and is already being criticised. Image: PA Images
Koeman's not been in the job long and is already being criticised. Image: PA Images

"Antoine is playing on the right there at the moment. It's true that Koeman said, and told him, that he did not understand that he was used to playing in a more central position. But Antoine must also adapt today.

"For me, he is still more effective when he is in the heart of the game, when he is able to touch the ball a lot. In that position, he has the possibility to come and help in the midfield too.

"He doesn't have the ability to take the ball and beat opponents on the wing like others. He needs to touch the ball a lot and he is smart in his movement."

Koeman has taken charge of three La Liga games so far this season with Griezmann on the right, behind Lionel Messi, Philippe Coutinho playing through the middle and Ansu Fati playing on the left.

Even with Luis Suarez gone, Griezmann is still playing out wide. Image: PA Images
Even with Luis Suarez gone, Griezmann is still playing out wide. Image: PA Images

The 29-year-old is yet to register a goal or an assist so far this season, whilst Coutinho has one goal and two assists, since his return from his loan spell with Bayern Munich, and teenager Fati continues to impress with three goals to his name.

Deschamps might have a point about Koeman though, with the former Netherlands national team boss previously telling Dutch outlet NOS, "With all my respect, Griezmann must play in his position.

"It is not an extreme. It is not. You have to play in your role. This is where the most important part of a coach comes in, knowing your players well and getting the most out of them."

Maybe the new Barca boss should take a page out of his own book, before things get even worse at the Nou Camp.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Football News, Barcelona, Didier Deschamps, Nations League, Antoine Griezmann, Ronald Koeman, Spain, France, La Liga