Antoine Griezmann left 'angry and annoyed' with Barcelona's defence

Attack v defence! Antoine Griezmann left ‘angry and annoyed’ with Barcelona’s lack of leadership in their back line after Athletic Bilbao caused havoc at set pieces to win the Spanish Super Cup

  • Antoine Griezmann criticised Barcelona’s defence as they lost to Athletic Bilbao
  • Griezmann gave Barcelona the lead twice but they lost 3-2 in the Super Cup final
  • Bilbao enjoyed the game’s best chances, causing havoc at set-pieces throughout
  • Barca are currently missing Gerard Pique at the back and his absence is showing
  • Lionel Messi was sent off for punching an opponent late on 

A furious Antoine Griezmann criticised Barcelona’s defence after they were beaten 3-2 by Athletic Bilbao in extra-time in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday.

Griezmann twice gave the Catalans the lead, however Bilbao enjoyed the game’s best chances, causing havoc at set-pieces as they had a goal disallowed for offside and missed two gilt-edged headers to increase their advantage in the extra period.

‘I’m angry, annoyed, peeved. Every single bad feeling you can have after losing a final,’ Griezmann told Movistar.

Antoine Griezmann criticised Barcelona’s defence as they were beaten 3-2 by Athletic Bilbao

Unai Simon and Unai Nunez celebrate in front of Griezmann, who scored twice on the night

Barca have struggled to defend dead-ball situations in big games in recent years, conceding from corners in their famous Champions League eliminations to Roma and Liverpool.

They are currently missing defensive lynchpin Gerard Pique, who is likely to be out until March with a knee problem, and are sorely missing his presence at the back.

Griezmann said: ‘We knew that Marcelino’s side’s press well and they played well, but we made so many strategic mistakes.

‘We defended poorly and weren’t communicating on set-pieces: important little details like when the ball is cleared or when we need to push out, someone needs to be shouting.’

Goals from Oscar De Marcos, substitute Asier Villalibre and Inaki Williams secured the trophy for Bilbao and Barca’s misery was compounded with a red card for Lionel Messi. It was the first of his Barca career, issued for punching opponent Asier Villalibre towards the end of extra-time.

Griezmann put Barcelona in front from close range before Bilbao won the final in extra time


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