Ernesto Valverde, Diego Simeone Praise Barcelona's 'Infallible' Lionel Messi
Dec 2, 2019
MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 01: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Liga match between Club Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Wanda Metropolitano on December 01, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde and Atletico Madrid counterpart Diego Simeone have hailed Lionel Messi after he scored the decisive goal in Barca's 1-0 win at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium on Sunday.
Messi conjured the winner in the 86th minute after Marc-Andre ter Stegen had kept the Blaugrana in the contest with some outstanding saves:
Per Ben Hayward of the Evening Standard, Valverde said of Messi:
"Leo is infallible when he runs because he has an open radar. Everyone makes runs and he decides. In this case, he finished off the move.
"The best players are the ones who can counter-attack the best. Messi has sufficient technique and in those situations, he's infallible."
Meanwhile, Simeone was asked if he and other opposition managers felt impotent in their inability to shut down the Argentinian.
"Not impotence, because with a great goal like that, all you can do is applaud," he said. "The move, when the counter-attack started, had the smell of great danger. He scored a 'golazo.'"
The goal was the 30th of Messi's career against Atletico Madrid and took his tally to 11 for the season in 14 matches. He also has eight assists to his name.
It capped a fine performance from the 32-year-old at the Wanda Metropolitano:
Lionel Messi's game by numbers vs. Atlético Madrid:
It is not the first time Atletico—or other sides in La Liga—have been punished by Messi late on:
4 - @FCBarcelona have collected 17 points in #LaLiga thanks to 52 Lionel Messi's goals the last five minutes. Four of these points have been earned vs Atlético de Madrid, more than any other opponent in the competition. Decisive pic.twitter.com/ObOhFGLGC6
The forward could win a record sixth Ballon d'Or on Monday evening, which would take him one clear of Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo.
Sunday's heroics won't have any impact on the voting, though, as the deadline for them to be cast was on November 9. Likewise, nor will the brace for Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk—who is likely to be his main rival for the award—against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.
Although Ter Stegen also deserves great credit for Barca's victory on Sunday, it served as yet another reminder as to Messi's importance to the team.
The win kept the Catalan giants top of La Liga on goal difference, after Real Madrid had beaten Alaves 2-1 on Saturday.
Barca are also six points clear of Atleti, over whom they and Real Madrid have a game in hand after their scheduled Clasico was postponed from October to December 18.
Lionel Messi's Late Goal Lifts Barcelona to 1-0 La Liga Win vs. Atletico Madrid
Dec 1, 2019
MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 1: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona during the La Liga Santander match between Atletico Madrid v FC Barcelona at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on December 1, 2019 in Madrid Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Barcelona returned to the top of La Liga after a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium on Sunday.
Lionel Messi scored an 86th-minute winner for the defending champions, who also had goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen to thank for making a number of superb saves in the Spanish capital.
The result means Barca are back above bitter rivals Real Madrid on goal difference, while Atleti have slipped to sixth.
Both teams wasted little time trading significant shots amid a heavy downpour. Atleti had the best chances but were frequently thwarted by Ter Stegen.
The German was nearly beaten by his own player early on, when Junior Firpo deflected a cross onto the post:
Alvaro Morata thought he'd put the hosts in front six minutes before the break, only to see his header rebuffed by an imperious Ter Stegen:
TER STEGEN MAKES NO SENSE [PART II]
Morata looks on in disbelief after the Barcelona net-minder denies his towering header access to the blaugrana onion bag. #AtletiBarçahttps://t.co/w8YyjQccLQ
His heroics between the sticks nearly allowed Barca to pinch the lead with the halftime break rapidly approaching. Gerard Pique got up to meet a corner but could only send his header off the bar.
The Blaugrana upped the ante after the restart, with Luis Suarez twice forcing Jan Oblak into saves. Suarez was causing problems, but Antoine Griezmann was worryingly quiet against his former club.
Ironically, Griezmann's replacement at Atletico, Joao Felix, was acquitting himself well. The 20-year-old was picking accurate passes, like the one to Hermoso in the first half, and finding space with smart movement off the ball.
Joao Felix absolutely mugs off Pique who fouls him for his 10th booking in 17 games.
It was a surprise then when Atleti boss Diego Simeone withdrew Felix for Vitolo on 65 minutes, incurring rancour from the home faithful in the process. Yet the change didn't initially stymie Atletico's efforts going forward, with Pique lucky to avoid a second booking and early dismissal after lunging into Morata.
More changes took place when Barca swapped Arthur Melo for Arturo Vidal and Thomas Lemar replaced Angel Correa in Atleti's ranks. The new faces couldn't inspire an instant upturn in either side's fortunes, though.
Typically, it was left to a more established name to prove decisive when Messi was played through by Suarez. The masterful No. 10 held his nerve and once again inflicted maximum punishment on a familiar victim:
Lionel Messi has scored his first goal at the Wanda Metropolitano and his 30th across all competitions against Atlético Madrid.
Messi was the difference, as he's been so many times during his storied career. Barcelona will remain the team to beat in Spain as long as the 32-year-old continues to ply his trade.
Meanwhile, Atleti still can't find the winning formula in the title race after last lifting the prize in 2014.
What's Next?
Atletico are away to Villarreal on Friday, while Barca will return to action to host Mallorca on Saturday.
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 03: Kieran Trippier of Tottenham Hotspur and Lionel Messi of Barcelona battle for the ball during the Group B match of the UEFA Champions League between Tottenham Hotspur and FC Barcelona at Wembley Stadium on October 3, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
Atletico Madrid defender Kieran Trippier has hailed the talents of Lionel Messi ahead of Sunday's clash against Barcelona, describing the South American as "unbelievable, the best ever."
Trippier, 29, joined Los Rojiblancos from Tottenham Hotspur in July on a three-year contract and has been a frequent fixture under new manager Diego Simeone.
The former Spurs star spoke to The Athletic's Oliver Kay (h/t Goal) ahead of Sunday's clash at home to Barcelona and described Messi's quality in finer detail:
“I've played against him a few times now and he's so good at just picking up those little pockets of space. Before Barcelona have made three passes, he already knows where the ball's going.
"It's amazing how clever he is. Even when he's walking like that, you've always got to be aware. He's unbelievable, the best ever."
It will be Trippier's first time facing Barcelona since he arrived in La Liga, and the Guardian's Sid Lowe gave the right-back a glowing assessment several months into his Spanish transition:
Nice. He’s very good, yeah. And playing very well. Really pleased.
Trippier was part of the Tottenham team that finished as runners-up to Liverpool in last season's UEFA Champions League, when the north London outfit met Barcelona twice during the group stage. Spurs lost 4-2 at home but managed to take a 1-1 draw in their visit to the Camp Nou.
The former Burnley man compared Messi's patient approach against that of another lightning-quick star he's had to face in recent months:
“You play against (Liverpool's) Sadio Mane, for instance, and if you take your eye off him for a second, he'll just dart in behind you.
"But with Messi, you look four times and he's still there. It's weird. A lot of the time he just walks and walks—and then, before you know it, it's a goal."
It's nothing new for fans at the Camp Nou, who have been treated to Messi's consistent class for more than a decade:
Messi looks like the favourite to win the 2019 Ballon d'Or, which would crown his sixth such accolade and make him the most successful player in the award's history (one ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo).
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu echoed Trippier's words of praise in the buildup to Sunday's clash at the Wanda Metropolitano:
🗣 Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu:
"Without a doubt Leo Messi is the best player in football history, he has made a huge mark on the world of football. He is a different player, who changes the dynamics of a game and creates incredible moments."
Trippier will have his hands full attempting to keep Messi quiet, with Antoine Griezmann and Luis Suarez in line to start after Ousmane Dembele came off injured during Wednesday's 3-1 win over Borussia Dortmund.
Atletico's surging Englishman clearly has huge respect for Messi, but he'll put those sentiments to one side on Sunday when he'll hope to beat Barcelona for the first time in his career.
Luis Suarez Offers Antoine Griezmann Support After Slow Barcelona Start
Nov 29, 2019
Antoine Griezmann of FC Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League group F match between FC Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund at Camp Nou on November 27, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain(Photo by ANP Sport via Getty Images)
Barcelona striker Luis Suarez has reassured team-mate Antoine Griezmann that it's "not easy for any player" to be an instant success at the Camp Nou following his disjointed start at the club.
Griezmann, 28, came off the bench to score his first UEFA Champions League goal for Barcelona on Wednesday when they defeated Borussia Dortmund 3-1.
The forward's tally of five goals in 17 appearances hasn't hit expectations, but Suarez told One Football (h/t Goal's Sam France) that Griezmann isn't alone in his struggle to fit in early at the club:
"Obviously, it's not easy for any player to start here in Barcelona. You need time in order to adapt. It takes time and matches and you are feeling better and feeling that your teammates are supporting you.
"But it is necessary to understand that he is not playing in his previous position and he is the one who is making a big effort to adapt to what (Ernesto) Valverde is asking for. I did it too, as did Philippe (Coutinho), Neymar or Ousmane (Dembele).
"Every player who arrives in Barcelona has a difficult first few months and first matches, people are looking at you with detail because of what Barcelona means, but he is quiet and confident because he has our support to play his best football."
It appeared as though Griezmann was back to his best when he took down Lionel Messi's pass in the second half before dispatching a supremely confident finish inside the right post:
Sportswriter Sacha Pisani was pleased to see Griezmann celebrate so passionately with Messi:
Griezmann’s first Champions League goal for Barcelona. You can tell how much it means to him. Another assist for... Messi 🔥 Unstoppable against Dortmund. #BarcaBVB#UCLhttps://t.co/TTzsN85LoM
Suarez's comments regarding his team-mate's position change in Catalonia are perhaps the most pertinent, remarks that also hint at the change in stature Griezmann is sure to experience at the Camp Nou.
The 2018 FIFA FIFA World Cup winner was very much a focal point in the attack at former clubs Atletico and Real Sociedad, while the quality of others at Barcelona mean he's played almost exclusively off the left wing.
The initial signs looked positive after Griezmann joined Barcelona from Atletico for €120 million in July. The Frenchman scored twice and assisted a goal in his second league appearances for the Blaugrana—a 5-2 hammering of Real Betis—but has since scored just twice more in 10 league games.
One feels manager Ernesto Valverde nevertheless needs to see more from his forward, who holds an inferior strike rate to midfield anchor Arturo Vidal this season, per AFP's Tom Allnutt:
In La Liga Vidal: 4 goals in 9 Griezmann: 4 goals in 12
Suarez holds sympathy for a fellow forward settling in among new surroundings, and Griezmann has a prime opportunity to make his mark against old employers Atleti at the Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday.
Patrick Kluivert Says a Loan Exit from Barcelona Could Help Carles Alena
Nov 29, 2019
Barcelona academy director Patrick Kluivert believes Carles Alena could improve if he left the club on loan.
According to Onda Cero's El Transistorprogramme (h/t Football Espana's Colin Millar), Kluivertsaid on a potential loan move for Alena in January: "Maybe Alena leaving would allow him to return as a better player."
Alena, 21, established himself as a part of Barca's first-team squad last season.
Manager Ernesto Valverde handed him 17 La Liga appearances in 2018-19, 11 of them from the bench.
Compared to the season before, his Spanish top-flight game time increased from 40 minutes to 631 minutes.
In 2019-20, along with Ivan Rakitic in the centre of midfield, Alena has been pushed to the fringes after the summer purchase of Frenkie De Jong and the rise to prominence of Arthur.
The La Masia graduate has not played a minute of competitive football for Barca since he started their opening game of the 2019-20 La Liga season—a 1-0 defeat to Athletic Bilbao—and was hooked at half-time:
btw I don't doubt that this will improve Barcelona, because Aleña wasn't playing well at all, but it's just frustrating because how will the kid develop?
In the Blaugrana's 17 matches since, he has only been included on the bench five times and otherwise been left out of the squad completely.
As such, it would make sense for Alena to complete the season away from the Camp Nou where he can get more game time.
Cadena Cope (h/t Football Espana) reported that Getafe are interested in signing him, and they are likely to be able to offer him the chance to play in the UEFA Europa League knockout stages:
Getafe beat Trabzonspor 0-1 in the Europa League. Group C very tight now - Basel on 10 points, Geta and Krasnodar both on 9, those two meet at the Coliseum in last game https://t.co/hE72hJUleY
Per Marca's Juancar Navacerrada, Celta Vigo could also enter the race to sign Alena.
Why Antoine Griezmann Is Struggling to Adapt at Barcelona
Nov 29, 2019
BARCELONA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 27: (Editors note: this image has been converted to black and white) Antoine Griezmann of Barcelona reacts during the UEFA Champions League group F match between FC Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund at Camp Nou on November 27, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Pablo Morano/MB Media/Getty Images)
Antoine Griezmann ended a six-game goal drought by scoring the third goal in Barcelona's 3-1 win over a ragged Borussia Dortmund side in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday. You could smell the relief from him, as the French star has yet to take flight at the Camp Nou.
Before the game—for which he lost his starting position in Barcelona's attack to Ousmane Dembele, only to replace him midway through the first half when his compatriot limped off with a leg injury—Griezmann had only registered four goals in 16 games for Barca, as many goals as Arturo Vidal has scored this season even though the Chilean has been on the pitch a third of the amount of time.
Vidal is a midfielder—not a striker—who cost a fraction of the €120 million Barcelona forked out for Griezmann in the summer, excluding a reported €15 million "peace offering" payment Barcelona agreed with Atletico Madrid last month for tapping up their player before his release clause dropped from €200 million, per El Mundo (h/t AS' Santi Gimenez).
It's not good enough for the club's star summer signing. He joined with big expectations and was brought in to help heal the wounds from last season's embarrassing exit to Liverpool in the 2018-19 UEFA Champions League semi-final. Compounding matters is that Griezmann had ground to make up on arrival. He wasn't roundly welcomed at the club.
There's rumours his vanity—the ever-changing hairstyle; his choreographed throwing of confetti to celebrate scoring a goal against Real Betis—hasn't endeared him to the team's dressing room. Some have reportedly dubbed him "the little poser." Also, he was late joining Barcelona.
Griezmann arrived a year older and €20 million more than he could have cost by deciding to stay on at Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2018 (when his release clause dropped to €100 million). Infamously, he dramatised the transfer saga in a maudlin documentary "La Decision." A portion of Barca fans are disgruntled with him, feeling players should only be asked once to come to the Camp Nou.
Antoine Griezmann got on the scoresheet against Dortmund on Wednesday night.
His form on the pitch hasn't helped to build any bridges. Coach Ernesto Valverde dropped him early in this season's campaign from the starting lineup when Sevilla came to the Camp Nou—as league leaders—in October. He just isn't clicking. He's yet to crack Barca's football code.
It's something Griezmann referenced in a revealing interview with UEFA's website earlier in the week when he said he can't read the runs of team-mates Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Dembele and that he "lacks the confidence" to know when to shoot or when to pass.
Part of his problem, of course, is that Messi already owns the No. 10 position Griezmann used to occupy at Atletico Madrid behind Diego Costa, and the role he traditionally fills for the France national team, invariably off Olivier Giroud. (Griezmann scored for his country against Albania last time out in a UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier.)
"Griezmann is failing to function at Barcelona for different reasons," says Ramon Besa, a journalist with El Pais. "Griezmann's position is the one that Messi occupies. He can also play in the position of Luis Suarez. Nevertheless, they place him on the left-hand side in the team's attack.
"He's a player who can slip free of defenders marking him, but he isn't synchronising with the passes of his own team's runners and with Messi's movements because there's a lack of understanding, and in Barca, they play more and more with the ball at feet and run less. On the other hand, Barca's players dream of having Neymar again, a different kind of player, in Griezmann's place, a footballer who doesn't dribble."
Neymar has cast a long shadow over Barca. During the summer, the club made an abortive attempt to sign him. Gerard Pique told Cadena Ser (h/t the BBC) that senior players in the dressing room even offered to defer salary payments to help make the deal happen.
The magazine France Football—who were in Barcelona during the week allegedly in anticipation of Messi's coronation as Ballon d'Or winner next Monday, according to Cillian Shields of Catalan News—reported that the Argentinian exchanged WhatsApp messages with Neymar after Barca's fateful 4-0 UEFA Champions League defeat last May to Liverpool, suggesting the Brazilian should return to Barcelona so he can "replace" him when he finishes at the club in 2021. Neymar—or the memory of Neymar when he's fit and focused—offers things that Griezmann doesn't.
Barcelona's Argentinian Forward Lionel Messi (R) celebrates scoring the opening goal with Barcelona's French forward Antoine Griezmann (L), Barcelona's Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez (2L) and Barcelona's Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal during the Spanish L
"It's an important point—the footballer the players in Barcelona's dressing room wanted was Neymar," says Francisco Cabezas, a journalist with El Mundo. "Neymar worked in a 4-3-3 system. He could play wide on the left where Griezmann can't fit in the team—so far. What Neymar has is an ability 'to overflow'—to flood defences. He's fast. He can pick up the ball on the wing. He's a good dribbler. He knows how to unsettle defences, things which Griezmann doesn't have.
"The [UEFA] interview Griezmann gave this week was unusual. A great player doesn't normally make these kinds of admissions, but he's a very sincere guy. He said he doesn't know how to dribble. His style of play is different [to Neymar]—he's more about creating space. His problem at Barca is that it's a team that attacks from static positions. Griezmann doesn't have the footballing characteristics to take advantage of this style. I also see a problem of confidence. He's gone backwards—he played his best games for the club a couple of months ago."
Griezmann's lack of chemistry with Messi is also troubling. One, he's struggling to link up with him on the pitch. "I don't think they are deliberately standoffish," says Besa, "but they haven't been able to connect. They aren't harmonising. They're not playing the same game. It's a matter of training and persistence, but we will have to see. There are serious doubts."
Second, Messi is already taking up Griezmann's preferred position on the pitch. It was notable that arguably Griezmann's best performance in a Barcelona shirt was his two-goal salvo against Real Betis last August in a 5-2 win at the Camp Nou—when Messi was out injured.
"Basically, it was a mistake by the club to sign him," says Gimenez, a journalist with Diario AS. "Griezmann's a great player, but he doesn't have a position in the team. If you play where Messi plays, you could join any team except the team where Messi is. It's not a surprise that Griezmann has problems in adapting. What is he good for? If you're living on your own why would you need to buy two beds when you can only sleep in one bed? I don't understand it.
"Messi's different—he has grown up in Barcelona since he was 13 years old, and he plays in the manner of Barca. Griezmann has never played in teams with Barcelona's style. I suppose it's a question of patience, but you could ruin a talent like Griezmann's in the meantime. The team's poor performances are not the fault of Griezmann. They're caused by other things. Griezmann's 'buenisimo' (extremely good), but he's not Messi.
"The solution is to put Griezmann playing on the right-hand side, or as a No. 10, but the day they remove Messi, Valverde will be finished. Sometimes I have the feeling that Griezmann was brought here to run and defend because Messi and Suarez don't do any defending. The only thing he's doing now is defending, but you could have the two guys from the youth academy [Carles Perez and Ansu Fati] that run a lot in there. You don't spend €120 million on a guy just to see him running up and down the pitch."
Griezmann's bedding-in difficulties recall the recent challenges Philippe Coutinho had in finding a role at the club. He too was a No. 10 who floated around. He was unable to find space for his talents alongside Messi in attack before being despatched on loan to Bayern Munich with the jeers of the Camp Nou ringing in his ears.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 04: Antoine Griezmann of Atletico de Madrid controls the ball under pressure from Philippe Coutinho of FC Barcelona during the La Liga match between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid at Camp Nou on March 4, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain. (
"The problems with Coutinho were different," says Gimenez. "Yes, Coutinho was a player who played in the same position as Griezmann, but one player has nothing to do with the other—Griezmann runs like a dog, up and down the pitch. Griezmann tries. Coutinho never tried—he only came here to Barcelona to enjoy the sunshine."
We have been down this road before. There are other players like Coutinho who struggled to carve a niche in Barcelona's attack beside Messi. Playing second fiddle didn't suit Zlatan Ibrahimovic, for example, who left in 2010 for a cut-down price after a year at the club.
Thierry Henry was a lesser player at Barcelona than he was on a fine Arsenal side, but at 31 years old, he did finally get to win with Barca the UEFA Champions League medal that had eluded him.
The Spain national team's all-time top scorer David Villa, too, got to win a UEFA Champions League medal in 2011 with Messi & Co, but his scoring diminished at the club compared to his strike rate in the league at previous clubs Valencia, Real Zaragoza and Sporting Gijon.
Opinion is divided about how things will pan out for Griezmann. Gimenez isn't "very optimistic" about his prospects. Cabezas is more sanguine. There's a gritty element to Griezmann's character. He's triumphed at clubs since leaving his town in France as a 13-year-old to join Real Sociedad's youth academy.
Griezmann is one of the world's greatest forwards and twice a Ballon d'Or nominee. His goal against Borussia Dortmund, his first in the UEFA Champions League for Barcelona, could help him to turn a corner. It is, after all, early days.
"We have experience of players arriving to Barcelona and having difficulty in their first season, but they improved in their second season—like Neymar Jr.," says Cabezas.
"In the case of Griezmann, he's not just any striker. He's a World Cup winner with France, when he was one of the best players in that tournament in Russia. He's a player who, in his day, adapted to Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid, which is not easy. He had to learn to defend, to press, to cover ground all over the pitch. He has a good aptitude for learning. He's still only 28 years old. We're only in the month of November. Yes, he has a lot of room to improve, but why not?"
Ernesto Valverde: Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann Link Will Improve 'With Time'
Nov 28, 2019
BARCELONA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 27: Lionel Messi #10 of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his side's second goal during the UEFA Champions League group F match between FC Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund at Camp Nou on November 27, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)
Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde believes the relationship between Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann will flourish over time.
Both forwards were on the scoresheet on Wednesday in the UEFA Champions League as the Blaugrana coasted to a 3-1 win over Borussia Dortmund. Messi set up goals for Luis Suarez and Griezmann either side of his own strike.
So far this season, Messi and Griezmann haven't complemented one another well in attack, although Barcelona fans will be encouraged by the way in which they coexisted on the field against Dortmund.
Valverde said he expects the pair to improve as a duo, per Alejandro Segura of Marca:
"A lot is said about their connection, especially when one of them scores. Good players always understand each other.
"For example, Luis and Leo understand each other to perfection because they've spent a long time playing together. [Messi and Griezmann] will understand each other better with time. We have to find the right timing for this. With time, it will be much better."
When asked about Messi, who was the key man for the Blaugrana again on Wednesday, Valverde said: "What can I say about Messi? He was incredible."
Here are the highlights from the encounter, with the victory sealing top spot in Group F for Barcelona:
When Griezmann arrived at Barcelona from Atletico Madrid this summer, there were questions as to how he would fit into the team with Messi and Suarez still quality operators in his favoured positions.
He's played out on the left flank for a lot of the campaign, and when you factor in his lack of natural chemistry with Messi, it's been a challenging beginning to life at his new club overall.
Football writer Zito Madu thinks there are some signs of the France international beginning to settle into his new role at the Camp Nou:
No wonder Griezmann pulled the hair back. Today is all business.
Valverde and Barcelona fans will hope his performance on Wednesday can be a catalyst for improvement.
Football writer Roy Nemer criticised the decision from the Barcelona manager to leave Griezmann out of the side for such a crucial game:
Rakitic starting the biggest game of the season for Barcelona. Griezmann and Arthur not starting. That shows you the incompetency of the person who is supposed to be coaching this team.
The former Atletico man will likely be granted an extended run in the team in the coming weeks. Not only did he perform well when coming off the bench against Dortmund, Ousmane Dembele—who Griezmann replaced on the night—looks set for a stint on the sidelines because of an injury.
Griezmann is one of the best forwards in the game when he's on form, and he can be a huge asset to Barcelona in the right framework. If he continues to cultivate a relationship with Messi, it will only be positive for his own development along with the performances of the Blaugrana.
Luis Suarez: Barcelona Doctors Must Find 'Solution' to Ousmane Dembele Injuries
Nov 28, 2019
Barcelona forward Luis Suarez has called on the club's medical staff to help team-mate Ousmane Dembele overcome his constant injury issues.
Dembele was in the side on Wednesday against Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League but was again forced to hobble out of the contest with an injury.
While the Frenchman's talent has been evident since he arrived at the club from Dortmund in 2017, a succession of layoffs have been a major hindrance to his development. Suarez has pleaded with the doctors at the club to find a way to make his team-mate more durable.
"The doctors have to try and find a solution to his injuries," said the Uruguayan. "[They have to find out] how he keeps getting injured after he has recovered. We hope he's back with us soon."
Barcelona provided an update on the situation during the contest, which they eventually won 3-1 thanks to goals from Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann:
The Spanish Football Podcast commented on the problem and noted how disappointed the 22-year-old was when he had to be taken out of the action:
Dembélé was in tears going off, went straight down the tunnel. Such a shame these persistent muscular injuries. So much talent, he's been unable to ever apply it consistently for Barça...
Clement Lenglet said he feels sorry for his club and international team-mate.
"It's a shame because [Dembele] always tries to be fresh for every game," said the defender. "He was looking forward to playing against his old team, and he left the pitch crying because he has football in his heart. When you can't play, you feel it."
Dembele's France team-mate Kylian Mbappe also reacted to the forward's substitution on social media:
There was huge excitement about the talent of Dembele when he joined the club in the summer of 2017. However, more than two years on, there's a worry his time at the Camp Nou will be defined by these unrelenting injury problems.
Already this season, Dembele missed the first five games with an ankle injury, and it would appear he is set for another stretch on the sidelines.
Another issue for Dembele is that Griezmann produced a fine performance alongside Messi and Suarez in his stead:
While Dembele is still in the early stages of his career, to be getting so many injuries at such a young age will be a concern.
The forward relies so much on his explosiveness and agility to be a threat in the final third. If these muscle injuries continue to mount up, there's every chance Dembele will lose the edge that makes him a potentially special footballer.
Lionel Messi, Barcelona Advance to UCL Knockout Stage with 3-1 Win over Dortmund
Nov 27, 2019
BARCELONA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 27: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona competes against four players of Borussia Dortmund during the UEFA Champions League group F match between FC Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund at Camp Nou on November 27, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Barcelona guaranteed a place in the 2019 UEFA Champions League knockouts on Wednesday after a 3-1Group F victory over Borussia Dortmund at the Camp Nou.
Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez carved up the BVB defence in the opening half-hour, with the hosts sprinting to a 2-0 lead.
Suarez opened the scoring on 29 minutes after an assist by Messi, and the Uruguayan returned the favour four minutes later for the Argentinian to find the back of the net.
Substitute Antoine Griezmann made it 3-0 after 67 minutes, with Messi once again the creator during a decisive Barca attack.
BVB's Jadon Sancho came off the bench to provide a wonderful consolation with 13 minutes remaining.
The Spanish champions handed the Bundesliga side a lesson in the first half, and the Germans were caught in the headlights of Barca's world-class forwards.
Messi had slipped in Suarez in the 21st minute, but the striker's finish was ruled out by the video assistant referee for offside.
Suarez received his reward moments later after once again linking with Messi to devastating effect. The Uruguayan timed his run into the box and fired home with precision for the first of the night.
Barca kept their foot on the gas as they dominated possession. The Catalans were at their most ruthless, and Messi doubled the scoreline.
Lionel Messi scores against his 34th opponent in the Champions League
Mats Hummels was struggling at the back, despite his experience and pedigree, and BVB were desperate to get down the tunnel for half-time in order to regroup.
Barca's energetic pressing continued after the restart, and VAR was called into use again when Messi appeared to be caught by BVB goalkeeper Roman Burki in the box.
However, VAR ruled the forward had dived and he was cautioned for simulation.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen denied Julian Brandt on the hour mark during a rare attack from the visitors, and BVB gathered confidence from that moment.
Barca responded by slowing the game down and maintaining possession, and the home side's pace regressed.
Messi nearly grabbed his side's third of the night with a far-post header, but the diminutive superstar missed the target under pressure.
The game was put to bed moments later when Griezmannslotted home as Barca once again turned on the afterburners.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 27: Antoine Griezmann of Barcelona reacts during the UEFA Champions League group F match between FC Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund at Camp Nou on November 27, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Pablo Morano/MB Media/Getty Ima
Suarez's decoy run opened up the German defence and Messi played the perfect pass for the France international to score.
The rest of the match belonged to Sancho, who provided a cameo that showed off his potential.
The England international had been dropped to the bench for the game, but arrived after half-time and proved he should have started.
Sancho caught Ter Stegen by surprise with a stunning effort in the closing stages, finding the top corner from the edge of the box.
Dortmund's English midfielder Jadon Sancho kicks the ball to score during the UEFA Champions League Group F football match between FC Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, on November 27, 2019. (Photo by Josep LAGO / AFP) (
The 19-year-old was then denied by a fingertip save by the German keeper, who did enough to divert the ball onto the crossbar.
Barca were worthy winners at the final whistle, and BVB are left on seven points with Inter Milan in the battle for second heading into the final qualifying match.
What's Next?
Both teams return to domestic action in their respective capital cities after European commitments. BVB travel to Hertha Berlin on Saturday in the Bundesliga, while Barca visit Atletico Madrid on Sunday in La Liga.
Monchi Discusses 'Difficult' Ivan Rakitic Move, Won't Rule out Sevilla Transfer
Nov 27, 2019
Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between FC Barcelona and Valencia CF at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, Sep. 14, 2019. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)
Sevilla sporting director Monchi has opened the door for a transfer of Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic, but he admitted such a move would be difficult and likely won't be completed in the near future.
Monchi addressed recent speculation regarding the Croat in an interview with Canal Sur Radio (h/t Football Espana's Collin Millar):
"I don't know and maybe in many years, but today it is very difficult. He has a contract with Barcelona and is in Barcelona… However, he has not lost his love for our club, but today it is somewhat implantable.
"There are seven games left before the market opens, and with the coach we will value the options and make decisions."
MADRID, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 23: Ivan Rakitic of FC Barcelona during the La Liga Santander match between Leganes v FC Barcelona at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque on November 23, 2019 in Madrid Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Marca (h/t Football Espana) recently reported a transfer agreement has been reached between Rakitic and Barcelona. The former Sevilla star can leave in January, and Movistar+ has reported Atletico Madrid are willing to pay his €40 million valuation.
The 31-year-old played for the Andalusians between 2011 and 2014, winning the UEFA Europa League in his final campaign with Sevilla. He joined Barcelona that summer and immediately became a regular starter for the Catalans.
He had been a first-team regular ever since until the start of the 2019-20 campaign. With just one La Liga start so far and none in the UEFA Champions League, the Croatia international has been the biggest victim of the arrival of Frenkie de Jong.
Arturo Vidal has passed him in the pecking order, while academy graduates Carles Alena and Riqui Puig have added further depth. Rakitic appears expendable, and a January transfer is likely.
Juventus were strongly linked with the midfielder in the past, but club president Fabio Paratici ruled out a transfer earlier this season, per Football Italia:
Movistar+ (h/t Millar) also mentioned Inter Milan and Manchester United as potential January destinations.
A reunion at Sevilla could be an intriguing option for all parties, however. The Andalusians have started the season well and sit in third place in the standings, one point behind Barcelona and Real Madrid―although those two clubs have a match in hand.
Los Palanganas have finished in La Liga's top four just once since 2010 but are in a great position to do so again this season. The added experience of Rakitic, who already knows the club and would need little time to settle in, could be a major boost in midseason.
