The build-up to Atletico Madrid’s must-win Champions League clash against Roma has been dominated by one player: Antoine Griezmann.
The French forward has not scored since 27 September – an eight-game goal drought – but Atletico boss Diego Simeone has given his backing to the 26-year-old.
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“Antoine is worried and it’s normal because he wants to show us his best version and he needs to score for that,” Simeone told the Daily Mail.
“It’s also true that he did a great job in a lot of matches even if he didn’t score, but he had a great relationship with goals in the last years, so now that he’s not scoring he’s suffering and so does the team.
“Also, the fans get angry because he has been our top scorer in the last seasons. The kid has everything, he’s an awesome player. From our side, we know that we just need to support him, giving him the opportunity to play and trusting him, because he’s a player with goals in the blood so he will naturally find his way back to it.”
It’s not just Griezmann’s recent scoring woes that have made the headlines, but also a potential transfer to Manchester United.
Quoted by Sky Sports, Griezmann admits a move to Old Trafford is a “possibility”.
“In June, I extended my contract,” he said. “I’m linked to the club until 2022. Although I might be missing out on titles, I have everything here to be happy but that does not mean to say I won’t go one day.
“I haven’t made that decision. It all depends on various factors. I have nothing against England except for the weather. Manchester United is a possibility.”
Tonight’s Champions League fixtures (7.45pm unless stated)
Group A
- CSKA Moscow vs. Benfica (5pm)
- FC Basel vs. Manchester United
Group B
- Paris Saint-Germain vs. Celtic
- RSC Anderlecht vs. Bayern Munich
Group C
- FK Qarabag vs. Chelsea (5pm)
- Atletico Madrid vs. Roma
Group D
- Juventus vs. Barcelona
- Sporting Lisbon vs. Olympiakos
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