Former Ballon d'Or Contender Perceived As Victim Of Nepotism, Dictatorship In Barcelona

The bitter state of Antoine Griezmann continues to linger in Barcelona. The French forward has been treated as an unwanted figure inside Camp Nou, and that led to the judgment that the World Cup winner could be a victim of nepotism and dictatorship inside Barca.

The expression of distaste has likewise spilled over to the pitch with star captain Lionel Messi being the most noticeable image of ill will towards Griezmann.

Ranoveer Neogi of Everything Barca labeled Griezmann’s situation at Camp Nou as the ultimate sign of bias and disparity inside the storied club. With him having to vie for starting spot against the team’s best players at his position, the 29-year-old France international has struggled to leave his own imprint for the Blaugrana.

“Antoine Griezmann was signed in the summer of 2019 as the marquee signing for the club after his €120 million release clause was successfully triggered. However, the 2018 World Cup winner and Balon D’or contender’s career at the Camp Nou has turned into a nightmare as he now battles for a starting spot ahead of Martin Braithwaite and Luis Suarez,” Neogi wrote.

“Griezmann was expected to be the main striker of the club ahead of Luis Suarez, however, despite the former Liverpool man sustaining a career-ending injury and then successfully making his way back into the team, the French forward has still not been given the opportunity he deserves.”

Messi’s apparent dislike on Griezmann can be attributed to Barca’s failed bid to bring back Neymar. The Argentine legend has been wanting to reunite with the PSG star but to no avail, which also earned the disappointment of the rest in Blaugrana.

“On several occasions, the former Real Sociedad forward has been ignored on the pitch and especially by Lionel Messi who decided to not pass the ball to Griezmann on numerous goal-scoring chances against Leganes,” added Neogi, who then called out the Spanish club for its alleged questionable practices.

“Lionel Messi and the rest of the teammates at Barca might not be happy with the signing of Antoine Griezmann but that does not give the players and the coaching staff the authority to mistreat the talismanic forward by limiting his game time severely.

“If Barcelona hopes to bounce back next season and seriously contend for all competitions, then the nepotism and the politics at the club must stop, or else the same issues will prevail. The dictatorship shown by certain players in the dressing room must all be put to an end since it has a negative impact on new signings and young players.”

Griezmann signed with Barcelona in July 2019 following a controversial exchange between the Catalans and the footballer’s former club, Atletico Madrid. He has appeared in 31 matches in La Liga this season and has scored eight goals.