Ronald Koeman has had a conversation with Antoine Griezmann. On Wednesday evening, the attacker seemed to be handing out a disguised sneer to his trainer, after he triumphed over Croatia with the national team of France (1-2). Griezmann, who himself opened the score in the Nations League match, indicated that national coach Didier Deschamps ‘knows’ how to use him. In France, Griezmann played in the axis of the field, shortly behind Kylian Mbappé and Anthony Martial; at Barcelona he operates from the right flank.

Koeman does not seem shocked by the verdict. At the press conference prior to Saturday night’s away game against Getafe, the coach makes it clear that ‘anyone can say what they want’. Statements like Griezmann’s ‘belong to it’, he adds. “I spoke to Antoine yesterday. Because I wanted to, not because of his statements. We talked about his position on the field and about his form. I explained to him that I want the best for the team. And yes, I think. that he works best in a free roll on the right flank. “

Earlier this month, Deschamps already made vague signs of Griezmann’s role under Koeman. “I cannot understand why he does not play a more central role,” said the national coach of les Bleus about the 4-2-3-1 system of the Dutchman, who for the time being lets Philippe Coutinho and Lionel Messi play more centrally. Koeman subtly replies to his colleague. “I can remember that we played against France when I was still the national coach of the Dutch national team. Griezmann also played on the right flank”, he refers to a Nations League match on November 16, 2018 (2-0 defeat).

“Ultimately, it is up to me to determine what is best for the team. I know he can work on the right flank and in other positions,” added Koeman. He doesn’t blame his pupil. “He already works as hard as possible. He is disciplined, but he has to become a bit more fortunate in his attacking actions. Against Sevilla there were some moments when his positioning could be better”, the coach refers to the league game on October 4, in which his team in their own Camp Nou did not get further than a 1-1 draw.
.
Koeman makes it clear that he has ‘no problem’ with Griezmann. “My job is to get the most out of each player, but I can only line up eleven. Someone has to be on ‘number ten’; someone on ‘number nine’ … “, the Dutchman continues. “I don’t like assigning players a completely different role than they are used to, but I don’t do that with Griezmann either. He can play on the right. I understand that he may prefer a different position, but we can’t play ten with two numbers. “