Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann will build a relationship, insists Ernesto Valverde
Ernesto Valverde has revealed that Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann’s partnership is improving off the pitch which will change their relationship on the field with time. Both men and Luis Suarez scored in a crucial tie against Borussia Dortmund to ensure their place in the round of sixteen.
On a beautiful night at Camp Nou where Barcelona ensured their qualification to the next stage of the Champions League, Messi, Luis Suarez and Griezmann scored a goal each in the 3-1 win over Borussia Dortmund. The rout saw Messi set up first Suarez and then Griezmann to score and scored a goal himself to make his 700th appearance a memorable one.Â
It meant that Ernesto Valverde went on to reveal that he's confident that Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann's relationship on the pitch will continue to improve after reports revealed that the duo struggled to connect with each other. Valverde further added that eventually all three attackers, Luis Suarez included, will find a way to become a lethal trident for Barcelona.
“A lot is said about their connection, especially when one of them scores. Good players always understand each other. For example, Luis and Leo understand each other to perfection because they've spent a long time playing together. [Messi and Griezmann] will understand each other better with time. We have to find the right timing for this. With time, it will be much better. What can I say about Messi, he was incredible,” said Valverde to Marca.
The former Athletic Bilbao coach started Ousmane Dembele ahead of Griezmann in the game but the 21-year-old youngster had to be taken off in the 26th minute due to an unknown injury. This is now the 6th time in a year that Dembele has suffered an injury, however it is still unclear for how long will the Frenchman be out of action. That's a cause for concern as Barcelona now have a tricky trip to Atletico Madrid which will see Griezmann return to his former club and Valverde expects him to step up despite it being difficult to play against the former club.
“I don't know if it was a recurrence [of Dembele's previous injury]. I have the feeling it was a strange action because it was during a jump. It's when you try to slow down. We're sad for him because we're qualified but his injury was bad news. I don't know what would've happened if Dembele hadn't have picked up an injury. It's always a good moment for a player to face up to a difficult challenge like visiting the Wanda Metropolitano.
"We're in the most difficult group in the competition and we've qualified with a game to spare for another year. We've suffered a lot. But it means a lot to us,” concluded the 53-year-old boss.