Champions League – Milan-Atlético scorer Griezmann (1-2): “I can only improve, but everything will work” – Eurosport FR

He had changed colors, but not necessarily level. Yes, the first observation concerning the beginnings of Antoine Griezmann’s second stint at Atlético de Madrid is very hard. But the French was not sportingly on his plate with the Colchoneros since his return to the Spanish capital. It is the truth and even he recognized it. But perhaps the “Grizou” machine found its psychological trigger in Italy on Tuesday evening. The moment that changes everything or the founding act, everyone will name it as they see fit.

Used for the sixth time this season by Diego Simeone, but coming off the bench, as had been the case in the first match against FC Porto, the European luxury joker Grizou found his way back to goal with the Colchoneros on the San Siro lawn. Author of the equalizer at the end of the match, in the 84th minute, the Mâconnais launched the commando victory operation against a long superior AC Milan, valiant, but exhausted at the end of the match. He had not shot on goal for eight meetings, those played with FC Barcelona included.

This first goal of his second Madrid era was also very good. Launched by Thomas Lemar, author of an opening towards Renan Lodi on the side, the action leading to the equalizer ended with a left volley in “killer surfaces” mode from the n ° 8 of the Colchoneros . A violent goal, instinctively, that of a confident man, which Griezmann was not. This is the whole paradox of this evening and this match.

Grizou liked the Atlético “commando”

Rather dominated and amorphous until the hour mark, despite his numerical superiority, Atlético also had a regain of form thanks to the entry of the Frenchman, who came to position himself on the same line as Luis Suarez, but also that by Thomas Lemar, excellent in the midfield. The lead went to João Félix who entered in the 38th minute in place of Kieran Trippier. Diego Simeone spent his evening finding the right formula with his men. But they ended up finding a way out thanks to a fighting mindset and a bit of baraka. The old-fashioned Atlético recipe. The one that Griezmann likes.

Six matches, one goal and one observation: Griezmann admitted that he was still in a period of adaptation in his old new home. “It feels good, I came with a lot of intentions, of envy. So there you have it, we must continue to work. It is true that my start to the season is not very good, but now there have been changes. I have to adapt to a style of play, a transfer like that at the last minute, so you have to digest everything. You have to work and have self-confidence, that’s what I’m trying to do. I’m happy on and off the pitch so everything will roll“, noted, full of hope, the playmaker of the Blues at the microphone of Canal + after the meeting.

The Frenchman hammered it, he wanted to come back to evolve under the orders of Diego Simeone, the man who transformed him in the heart of his career. “I wanted to come back, with the coach, with the players, with the supporters, so it’s perfect for me and I can only improve, and work, to try to come back to my best level. Yes it’s true that our goal is the eighth, each match is a final, the group is difficult. “At the microphone of Movistar, broadcaster of the Champions League in Spain, the Frenchman has even looked a little more at the criticisms received recently. “They were justified. I was not feeling well and I could not find a way out. But with work, with the help of my teammates and the coach, I can only get better. “

Griezmann also paid tribute to Simeone. “I have nothing but respect and admiration for him. It allowed me to be better, it allowed me to reach my best level. That’s why I wanted to come, for him, for this club and for the fans. I’m glad to be here.“Regarding the whistles received at Wanda Metropolitano on his return, Griezmann has been clear: he will turn the situation on the pitch.”The supporters want to see me like that, like during this match and that’s all I want, to give joy, that they go to sleep and be happy. My goal with this feedback is to make them happy and bring positive vibes. “