Barcelona’s Griezmann, Pique concerned in expletive-filled spat throughout PSG thrashing

[ad_1]

Gerard Pique and Antoine Griezmann‘s frustration boiled over into an on-pitch argument as Barcelona had been crushed 4-1 by Paris Saint-Germain within the Champions League on Tuesday.

Pique, making his first look since struggling a proper knee damage in November, screamed at his teammates to “hold the f—ing ball longer” as they ready to defend a nook. Griezmann responded by telling him to settle down.

– Marcotti: Magical Mbappe leads PSG to assertion win vs. Barca
– Barca Scores: Blaugrana on ropes after shoddy defending in loss
ESPN’s Champions choose ’em: Compete for $4K of Amazon reward playing cards

“F—ing hell, Grizi,” Pique shot again. “No. M———–. We’re struggling. We have been [pinned] again for 5 minutes. F—ing hell, we’re operating like loopy.”

Griezmann replied: “Do not shout at me, m———–! I’m struggling as properly and I’m operating like loopy.”

The 2 eased off when goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen reminded his teammates of their defensive duties as PSG obtained able to take the set play.

The argument passed off simply earlier than half-time, when the rating was nonetheless 1-1 after Kylian Mbappe had cancelled out Lionel Messi‘s penalty.

PSG, and particularly Mbappe, eased by the gears after the break, with the striker finishing his hat trick and Moise Kean additionally on course because the Ligue 1 champions took an enormous step towards the quarterfinal forward of the return leg in Paris on March 10. The defeat evoked reminiscences of current European losses to Roma, Liverpool and Bayern Munich.

Griezmann has since returned to France after Barca gamers got two days off following the defeat, inflicting controversy among the many native media. When he was accosted by reporters on the airport late on Tuesday, the Barca ahead advised them it was none of their enterprise the place he was going.

Defeat to PSG leaves Barca on the point of a second consecutive trophy-less season. They’re eight factors behind Atletico Madrid in La Liga having performed one recreation extra and 2-0 all the way down to Sevilla of their Copa del Rey semifinal tie.

Regardless of that, coach Ronald Koeman mentioned it’s “loopy” to counsel he ought to contemplate stepping down and reminded supporters that it’ll take time to see the advantage of the modifications Barca are present process.

“We lack issues, positive, however I’ve by no means thought earlier than this recreation that we did not,” he mentioned. “It’s not the top of the trail. It appears I’m extra reasonable than everybody else.”

Koeman’s feedback got here on the identical day former midfielder Xavi Hernandez, teaching Al-Sadd in Qatar, reiterated his need to take over at Camp Nou sooner or later.

“Everybody sees me because the Barca coach sooner or later,” Xavi mentioned. “I respect Barca lots and I even have respect for Koeman, the present coach.

“However I hope [to return as coach]. I will not conceal that, however with respect for the present administration group on the membership, who’re in the midst of [three] competitions, and I want them one of the best.”

A brand new president shall be elected at Camp Nou on March 7 and, relying on outcomes, might determine to nominate his personal coach.

“We are going to see who is available in as president within the subsequent month,” Xavi added. “However in fact, it is a dream to teach Barca. There isn’t any doubt about that.”

[ad_2]

supply

Recommended For You

About the Author: soccernews

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *