Koeman will play Griezmann as the focus of Barcelona’s attack

Barcelona recently defeated Juventus 3-0 in the Joan Gamper Trophy friendly held at the Estadi Johan Cruyff. It was the first official game without Lionel Messi as part of the squad, and Ronald Koeman has insisted that Barcelona will not change their style of play. 

‘Despite the farewell to Leo Messi, we are very excited about this new season,’ he said after his side’s 3-0 pre-season victory over Juventus, as reported by AS.

‘With the squad we have, the signings we have made and also young people have come up, which is always the future of this great club.  

‘We are convinced that we will give you many joys this season. With a lot of help, a lot of sacrifice and a very good job we will achieve the maximum. We know what it is to be from Barca and what this club represents.’

Koeman also suggested that Griezmann will be the one to play in Messi’s position. Martin Braithwaite could lead the line in Sergio Aguero’s absence, with Griezmann right behind the striker. 

‘It is important to have the best, but we don’t change our ideas or the way we play either. Griezmann has played in his position and he has done well,’ said Koeman about the Frenchman’s position in the team. 

There were rumours that Griezmann could leave and return to Atletico Madrid this summer, but with Messi gone, the responsibility of leading the attack will fall on the shoulders of Barcelona’s number 7.