The classic on Saturday between Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid is one of the hottest in recent years. After complaints, videos, statements, and the white club's statement about the refereeing, Atleti decided to respond ironically on social media. This has only increased the controversy and ignited a match that is expected to be very intense.
Antoine Griezmann, one of the locker room leaders, spoke with Movistar about the refereeing issue, leaving several important statements. He exercised common sense and tried not to get involved in any controversy before the match.
Griezmann's Empathy toward Referees
Griezmann not only criticized the comments toward the referees, but also expressed empathy for their situation. "Now, the one who is going to referee will go to the stadium afraid of making mistakes because he knows everyone is watching him, and that's not good for him. We need to leave them alone, as they already have enough dealing with us on the field, let alone other nonsense off the field," added the Atlético footballer.
With these words, Griezmann sent a clear message: the pressure on referees not only comes from the clubs but also from the media. "I think it's everyone's fault, clubs, presidents, journalists, who need to leave the referees alone," he explained, emphasizing that the referee's figure must be respected.
Griezmann Defends Tchouaméni and Reflects on Criticism
During the same interview, Griezmann also defended Aurélien Tchouaméni, his former teammate in the French national team. The Real Madrid midfielder has been criticized for his performance as a center-back, a position that is not his. Griezmann, with his usual empathy, expressed: "In the end, he is doing a very hard job because he is not a center-back." The Atlético de Madrid forward emphasized that comparisons with Toni Kroos are not fair, as Tchouaméni plays in a different role.
"I think people are being hard on him, but I like him a lot as a player and even more as a person," added Griezmann. "It's like if I started playing as a pivot. Sometimes I'm going to fail because it's not my position," reflected the red-and-white player, asking for understanding for Tchouaméni.