Didier Deschamps sent Antoine Griezmann a timely reminder over his role on the France team amid the star’s poor form.
Griezmann’s struggles to hit top form since completing a €120m transfer from Atletico Madrid to Barcelona in 2019 have been well documented.
The forward has been a far cry from his old self, managing just 15 goals and four assists in 51 games. His form for France, meanwhile, appears to have tailed off as well. Therefore, Deschamps may have to make an unpopular call in his set-up.
The Les Bleus boss could only watch on as Griezmann had another forgettable night against Portugal last weekend, leading him to accept that the 29-year-old cannot be guaranteed an automatic spot in his line-up.
Although Deschamps remains hopeful the top-scorer of Euro 2016 and World Cup winner will rediscover his best form.
“I know you’re looking at the last game, but look at his stats: 81 caps, 32 goals, 21 assists. It speaks for itself,” said the France coach as quoted on Yahoo.
“It doesn’t guarantee him anything, like some other players who could have done better against Portugal. I know his talent and what he can give to the team.”
Deschamps’ decision to move Griezmann into a more deep-lying position in the goalless stalemate against Portugal raised a few eyebrows.
“Antoine’s position, I can talk about it with him, we’ve done it for a while,” he added.
“I know very well where he’s the most effective, the most influential. It’s in a central position obviously.
“He lacks rhythm, you know why. So, he needs a bit of time, he was much better in the second half compared to the first one [against Portugal].
“He’s an attacking player but, as he runs a lot, sometimes he’s an offensive midfielder.”
Griezmann will have a chance to prove his doubters wrong in France’s Nations League game away to Croatia on Wednesday evening.
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