France international Antoine Griezmann has admitted that he must adapt to the tactical system at Barcelona following a slow start to the season. The 28-year-old made the switch to the Blaugrana from Atletico Madrid over the summer but he has since produced a mixed bag of performances with just four goals and three assists from 11 league appearances.
Speaking after Les Bleus’ 2-1 win over Moldova in a Euro 2020 qualifier, Griezmann acknowledged that he knew the difficulties behind the move to the Camp Nou and he must learn to adapt to the left-wing position, he told: “I am still learning a lot, and I knew that coming to Barcelona would be difficult. If I play centrally, then I feel more balanced. I have played up front in that position for many years, and now I must adapt.”
Over the past few years, Griezmann has regular played upfront for Atletico Madrid but the situation has changed with the Blaugrana, who have Luis Suarez to lead the attack. As a result, Griezmann has had to settle for the left-wing role with Lionel Messi on the opposite flank but the trio have yet to find the perfect co-ordination in the attacking scheme of things.
Meanwhile, Griezmann has also struggled to find the net for France and he recently went goalless for the seventh international game during the Moldova clash. Les Bleus boss Didier Deschamps has come to the defence by stating that it is ‘far from disaster’ but Griezmann would know that he needs to improve on his form to enhance the country’s Euro 2020 title quest next summer.
France have already qualified for next summer’s tournament after the comeback triumph over Moldova. However, they are still not assured of the top spot asthey require a victory over Albania to seal the position. Anything other than that, Turkey could leapfrog them with a win, considering they have the better head-to-head record in the group.