Setien Praises Griezmann For 'Consistent' Barren

Antoine Griezmann (Instagram @antogriezmann)

JAKARTA - Quique Setien praised Antoine Griezmann for doing a 'commendable job' in Barcelona's 2-0 La Liga win over Leganes on Tuesday, June 16 evening. What is the laudable job the coach meant?

A goal from Ansu Fati and Lionel Messi's second-half penalty saw Barca restore their five-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of the table. But in that match, Griezmann was barren again.

Atop the pecking order. pic.twitter.com/I2QBZC1zTG

- FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) June 16, 2020

The French forward has a chance but is thwarted by the offside trap. He is still unable to add to his savings of eight goals in 28 La Liga games in his first season at Barcelona. In total in all competitions, the 2018 World Cup winner scored 14 goals in 38 matches.

But Setien praised the France international, telling Movistar: "Griezmann is a player who is doing a commendable job.

"He is a very important player."

It was not explained in more detail what the tactician's praise meant for the former Atletico Madrid player.

Barcelona are yet to reach their best after returning from the break due to the mid-week of COVID-19, but have managed to overcome low-level La Liga sides. Before defeating Leganes, last weekend Messi et al beat Real Mallorca four goals without reply.

Setien realizes that his team will face tough challenges and it will not be easy to find fast goals. Yes, Fati's opener only came three minutes before the first half.

"I know the game will be difficult. Unless you have the luck to get it right at the start, which opens up the game space, it will be complicated," he said.

THERE'S N⚽️ PLACE LIKE H⚽️ME! pic.twitter.com/xpuygN0oSC

- FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) June 16, 2020

"We started really well, but then we lost some possession and gave them control of the game. It happened to us in a cup game [in January]. They could have scored, so we had the last 20 minutes.

"They cover space very well and hold up really well. It's not easy to find space."

Barcelona's busy fixture list continues with a trip to Sevilla on Friday.