This is perhaps the symbol of the face displayed by Didier Deschamps’ French team in recent months. An indisputable element of the system of the coach of the Blues for several years, Antoine Griezmann seems to be struggling more and more under the blue jersey. During the last Euro, the French striker even ended up losing his starting place. A real shock for the player who had also taken badly his demotion after many years of playing matches in the shoes of a starter. Proof of his poor form, the Atlético de Madrid striker remains on 10 matches without being decisive (0 goals, 0 assists). A big anomaly for a striker.
At the microphone of Telefootthe French international (136 caps) spoke at length. And he wanted to explain his situation, his recent difficulties, but also his relationship with his long-time coach Didier Deschamps. “The Euro? Complicated… because there were a lot of changes of positions, tactical changes, so there you go, you had to deal with it. I had done my little preparation with Atlético to arrive physically fit. And if I manage to score these two goals against the Netherlands, I think I will have another Euro. Was it annoying? It was against Spain and Poland where I did not play. After that, these are tactical choices, you have to respect them even if you are angry or sad. The team above all. I tried to adapt, but it was not my best competition. This Euro, it was a lot of anger and sadness. I never felt at the heart of the game, as I like.”he first said.
A positioning that raises questions
Used against Italy in a role behind the striker, Antoine Griezmann spoke at length about his positioning with the Blues. And for the 33-year-old player, the most important thing is above all the mental aspect. “I’ve always been in the middle. I have this feeling of freedom. I need that to feel good mentally. My game is driven by my mind. If I’m happy, everything is fine on the pitch. If I have doubts, questions, you can see it straight away. And that’s what happened at the Euro. I have to be free in my head and be at the heart of the game to enjoy myself and enjoy the others.” Putting Griezmann at the heart of the game, at 33 years old and with a new generation on the rise, seems to be Didier Deschamps’ big challenge.
The coach of the Blues now seems to be trying other things, without Griezmann at the center of everything. But clearly not enough to disrupt the relationship between the two men. “I still have immense respect and affection for him because he was the only and first coach in the national team. I owe him a lot. For me, it is always a source of pride and immense joy to play alongside him, to play for him and to give everything on the pitch for him. I am always happy afterwards if I am ready to accept a different role (editor’s note: no longer being an undisputed starter), it will be up to the coach to decide. This questioning in the French team, I will always have it and I need it.” This is clear and explains Antoine Griezmann’s recent performances a little better…
