Added to the team's problems on the pitch, there seems to be a ticking bomb inside Barcelona's locker room.
The relationship between Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann has always been in doubt, and according to a report by France Football, things have escalated up to the point where Messi has reportedly forced some of his team-mates to snub Griezmann both on and off the pitch, causing the Frenchman's disappointment and lack of chemistry with the rest of the team, which has resulted in a disappointing first season with the Blaugrana outfit.
The French magazine states that Griezmann has told some of his close ones that a number of his team-mates (allegedly led by Messi) are "jealous of him after becoming World Champion" in 2018. Added to that, France Football states that Griezmann is ready to battle for his spot at Camp Nou.
"They won't be able to get me down. I'm not going to stop fighting, the best thing I can do is put up a happy face," Griezmann reportedly stated.
The French publication adds details of Griezmann's personal life that involve his wife, Erika.
"Erika has complained to her friends about her lack of social activity, and she misses the Spanish capital. This could end up with Antoine pushing for a transfer by the end of the season," according to France Football.
The French magazine refers to this issue as one that has been frequent since Messi joined the first team. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Samuel Eto'o, Thierry Henry and Alexis Sánchez have all been relegated by Messi and therefore have been forced out of the team.
Griezmann has scored 12 goals in 31 games for Barcelona (all comps), and while members of his inner circle have stepped up to deny these claims to Catalan-based newspapers, it is not the first time this season in which their relationship has been questioned by the media.
