Griezmann: I'm still learning to play with Messi
After ending a scoreless streak, the World Cup winner admits that he is still seeking to understand how best to work with the superstar
Antoine Griezmann says he is thoroughly enjoying life at Barcelona, even though he is still learning how to play alongside Lionel Messi.
Griezmann ended a five-match scoreless streak in LaLiga with a deft finish to open the scoring in a cagey 2-1 win over Getafe at Camp Nou on Saturday.
The goal was teed up brilliantly by Messi, with Sergi Roberto adding a second for Barca before Angel Rodriguez’s goal for Getafe set up a tense finish.
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France forward Griezmann missed a great chance to restore Barca’s two-goal cushion late on, and acknowledged he is still adapting to playing with Messi.
“We knew how hard Getafe would be to play against,” Griezmann said. “They put a lot of pressure on and pressed high. They are third for a reason but we kept cool, tried to play the ball well from the back. It was tough but we suffered and won.
“I’ve been here six months, we still have to learn. I have to learn [Messi’s] movements and he has to learn mine. We’re enjoying the work we put in together and it’s getting better and better all the time. I’m very happy and really enjoying myself here.
“I missed a chance which I shouldn’t have done, it came to my weaker foot but luckily it didn’t matter.”
Getafe started strong at Camp Nou and thought they had the lead when Allan Nyom prodded in from a corner, but VAR disallowed the goal for a foul on Samuel Umtiti.
The visitors did haul themselves back into the contest when Angel volleyed home in the 66th minute, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen pulling off a fine double save to deny Getafe an equaliser.
Angel has been linked with a move to Barca as the defending champions aim to replace Ousmane Dembele and Nyom is unsure if the striker will be staying with Getafe.
“He’s got a lot of quality,” Nyom said of the 32-year-old.
“He’s a killer in front of goal and I’m delighted he’s with us. I don’t know whether he’s staying or not.”
Barca are next in action on Tuesday, when they face Napoli in the Champions League.