Unable to reverse the situation against Manchester City on Wednesday night in the quarter-finals of the Champions League (0-0), Atlético de Madrid was eliminated without reaching the last four of the competition, a habit for five seasons now.
On the lawn of the Wanda Metropolitano a
colchonero
looked more affected than the others, it is Antoine Griezmann whose wet eyes perfectly illustrate the disappointment of the one who lives a very complicated season in the jersey
rojiblanco
.
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The best of Antoine Griezmann at FC Barcelona
The Frenchman is struggling to fit into Simeone's collective this season
Read alsoBest of 2021 – Antoine Griezmann: “I am French and everything that happens in my country interests me”
Returning to Madrid after a failed stint in Barcelona, Antoine Griezmann knew he was going to need time to win back the hearts of Atléti fans.
Especially since despite his good will and his efforts on the ground, mayonnaise is struggling to take between the world champion and his team.
This is explained by the fact that since his departure in 2019, the context in which Atlético de Madrid evolves has evolved a lot.
The club are reigning Spanish champions, have abandoned their traditional 4-4-2 and rely on new players like João Félix or Rodrigo de Paul.
“To be honest, it was hard for me at first.
I was not used to this rhythm, it was a new system for me... I had to take that and mix it with my own style of play
.
ESPN
last December.
Read alsoChampions League: Griezmann's tears after the elimination of Atlético Madrid
This season Antoine Griezmann is 7 goals and 4 assists with Atlético de Madrid.
PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU / AFP
So far these difficulties are not alarming, Griezmann works, progresses and even achieves a few brilliant strokes, especially at the end of October when he scores a double against Liverpool with an excellent match against Betis (3-0).
"If we look at his match today,
(against Betis)
yes, we found the Griezmann of always"
, even exclaims his coach Diego Simeone.
Unfortunately, this period which should have marked the return of the world champion to the highest level will quickly darken.
Read alsoAtlético Madrid-Manchester City: the video of the scuffles and the intervention of the police in a stormy post-match
A black series of 10 matches without finding the net
On December 12, while the
colchoneros
are led on the lawn of Real Madrid, Griezmann gives up his place because of pain in the right thigh.
This muscle injury keeps him away from the field until January 6.
That day Atlético faced Rayo Majadahonda, a 3rd division team, in the
Copa del Rey
.
In the 57th minute, Grizi made his comeback and scored after ten minutes.
But here again fate persists, the Frenchman relapses and leaves the field in tears only 20 minutes after entering the game. The 31-year-old must once again take his troubles patiently.
In total, his injury kept him off the pitch for 70 days and prevented him from playing 13 matches.
An eternity for the one who had only missed 4 in more than 10 years of career.
“It's the first time that I have stayed on the floor for so long,
he said after his return to the league against Celta Vigo on February 26 (2-0).
The worst part was not being able to help the team.
Not being able to enjoy football, the ball.
It was all new to me.
It was a mixture of sadness and fear.”
Read alsoLiga: Griezmann soon definitively at Atletico
What about his end of the season with the Colchoneros?
After this long absence, Antoine Griezmann is gradually finding playing time but is struggling to convince.
Aligned alongside a João Felix who walks on water, the Frenchman is less visible and touches fewer and fewer balls.
Since regaining his starting spot in the match against Cadiz on March 11, the left-hander has touched an average of 35 balls per game.
By way of comparison, the figure was 51 during its best period of the season (between October 24 and November 28).
This statistic illustrates the difficulties of the winner of the last League of Nations who no longer finds his place in the workforce.
Antoine Griezmann and his teammates Héctor Herrera and Luis Suárez after the 1-0 loss to Manchester City.
JAVIER BARBANCHO / PANORAMIC
With Atlético de Madrid, the world champion is currently on a series of 10 games without a goal but for the moment retains the confidence of his coach who appreciates his defensive efforts and his work in training.
But with the club's elimination in the Champions League and the final sprint for the race for the podium,
el Cholo
is likely to ask questions and it would not be surprising to see the Argentinian leave his favorite on the bench as he does. with Luis Suárez this season.
