Didier Deschamps on Antoine Griezmann: “At least he’s not tired.”

After including Antoine Griezmann in his France squad for the Nations League, head coach Didier Deschamps discussed the forward’s bit-part role with Atlético Madrid.

As reported by AS via an interview for French outlet L’Équipe, he spoke about the Atlético number 8.

“At least he’s not tired!” he replied when asked about his lack of minutes. “He has a situation that limits his playing time, it’s been a while since he last played 90 minutes,” Deschamps said.

Deschamps went on to add that Griezmann “is still a decisive player for his club” and that he “aspires to the best”. He has started the season with three goals, two in the league and one in the Champions League, and averages a goal every 64 minutes in the 2022-23 campaign.

In La Liga Griezmann has not played more than half an hour in any game this season (Getafe 28′, Villarreal 28′, Valencia 26′, Real Sociedad 27′ and Celta Vigo 27′). Atlético have applied the same formula in the Champions League (FC Porto 29′, Bayer Leverkusen 27′).

Diego Simeone is fully supportive of Atlético’s stance and will continue to use the Frenchman sparingly to avoid the club having to pay Barcelona the purchase clause, according to a Cadena Ser report.

GSFN

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