DBasia.news – Barcelona’s defeat in the opening match of LaLiga 2019-20 when visiting San Mames, the headquarters of Athletic Bilbao, Saturday (8/17) early morning Western Indonesian Time. Antoine Griezmann’s performance in the game made Ernesto Valverde, the Barcelona coach, disappointed.
Barcelona spent up to 120 million euros to redeem Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid. The 2018 World Cup champions are expected to appear impressive on the left side of the El Barca attack line.
However, when facing Bilbao, Griezmann looks difficult to provide mature feedback or complete the opportunity to become a goal. The situation is getting more complicated because Lionel Messi is also absent because of an injury.
“He will have a good move if he gets close to the penalty box to finish the opportunity. However, you have to dominate the match for that to happen,” Ernesto Valverde said as reported by Sport.
“Putting him in the left position because we know he wants to score goals. However, we have a left-back and players who can control the match,” he added.
Indeed, Barcelona has a slick record when met Bilbao. El Barca has won 29 games against Bilbao since the 2003-2004 season. That number is Barcelona’s best record against a club.
“However, we hope more from all the players. He has to look more for the ball in the match,” explained the coach.
Barcelona is reportedly on a mission to repatriate Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain. El Barca has opened space for the 27-year-old player by sending Philippe Coutinho to Bayern Munich.