FC Barcelona coach Quique Setién has caused a big storm by his decision to let Antoine Griezmann come in during injury time during the 2-2 draw with his old club Atlético Madrid.
Griezman was on the bench at Barcelona for the third time in four games, and was not allowed to enter the field until after the ninety minutes had passed. Before that, Setién had already replaced the very young Ansu Fati to force a victory. Atlético coach Diego Simeone, who worked with Griezmann for years, had ‘no words’ for Setién’s decision.
Setién had to explain after the new loss of points why he dropped the purchase of 120 million euros in injury time. “The problem is that not everyone can play,” said the criticized Barça coach. “We have to make choices. Maybe it didn’t make sense to bring him this late, but it was worse not to.”
“We didn’t bring it in because the team was doing well, Riqui Puig was also doing well and we always want Suárez and Messi on the field. Then it’s difficult to find a place for Griezmann without destabilizing the team,” he said. Setién, who thereby puts a bomb under the Frenchman’s future near Barcelona.
“I’m not saying I don’t trust him,” the coach continues. “He is an important player and I understand that it is difficult to get into the field this late. I will talk to him on Wednesday. I am not going to apologize, but I understand that he is feeling bad. He is a great person and a great professional. “
Due to Barcelona’s 2-2 draw against Atlético Madrid, Real Madrid can lead to a four-point lead with a win over Getafe on Thursday, with five games to play.
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