Griezmann will improve with time at Barcelona, says Lenglet

Playing for Barcelona is totally different to Atletico Madrid and Antoine Griezmann needs time to adjust, according to Clement Lenglet.

Published : Oct 01, 2019 15:15 IST

Barcelona forward Antoine Griezmann.
Barcelona forward Antoine Griezmann.
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Barcelona forward Antoine Griezmann.

Clement Lenglet has defended Antoine Griezmann's start to his Barcelona career and expects him to hit top form once he's fully familiar with a new playing style.

France forward Griezmann scored twice on his second La Liga appearance for the club but then went four games without a goal.

The run of blanks ended with the opener in last week's 2-1 win over Villarreal and the 28-year-old will hope to open his Champions League account when the Spanish champion entertains Inter on Wednesday.

Lenglet, a teammate at club and international level, is convinced his compatriot will justify the €120million fee paid to sign him from Atletico Madrid.

"Yes, Griezmann will adapt to Barca, because of his talent and his personal quality," Lenglet told radio station RAC1.

"It's a totally different game to Atletico. There are fewer spaces to run into, to attack, and you have to adapt to a new life, a new home, many things which you are not accustomed to, because he has not been at many clubs.

"The league started a month and a half ago and he has scored three goals.

"He can do things better because he has incredible talent, but he has given a good level."

Barca's clash with Inter at Camp Nou could provide a guide as to which teams are likely to advance from a strong Group F, which also contains Borussia Dortmund and Slavia Prague.

Ernesto Valverde's men will be feeling better about their form following the victory over Villarreal and 2-0 weekend win at Getafe.

Lenglet said: "The Champions League is always a good test. And especially with Inter, who are having a very good season so far.

"It's interesting to see where we are. Inter is the first Champions League match at Camp Nou and our second after the draw with Dortmund. That was a bittersweet feeling.

"We took a point and I think we can do more."

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