When Diego Simeone announced yesterday (Sunday) the lineup of Atletico Madrid for the derby against Real, many were surprised to see Antoine Griezmann’s name in the 11. The French started for the first time this season in the lineup of the Colchoneros, and the reason for this is of course not the ability, but the clause that the team from the capital has with Barcelona, according to which if the French plays more than half of the games during the loan period from the Catalans (a game is considered if he played at least 45 minutes), Atlético will be forced to purchase The same for 40 million euros.
Although he didn’t practice it in the lineup in training and surprised everyone, Simona He was satisfied with what he saw: “I hope that Griezmann will continue at the level he is currently at. He did a great job and the game was important for him.”
But does this mean that the Argentine coach has changed his mind? Not necessarily, and here is the explanation. Basically, if there is no dramatic change in the next two weeks against Barca, the situation will remain the same and the Frenchman will enter from the 60th minute. However, in important games like the derby, Cholo would prefer to “waste” a game that was recorded as an appearance for Griezmann in the contract against Barcelona.
The math is simple
Last season Atlético played 50 games, but Griezmann arrived after the third round. That is, for the purpose of calculating his contract, he could have taken part in 47 games in total. However, during the season Griezmann missed ten games due to injury and another one due to suspension, so we are already at 36, of which Griezmann played more than 45 minutes in only 30 games. In a simple calculation, the Frenchman played 83.3 percent of the games in which he was eligible.
But this is of course the first season, while the striker is signed for two seasons, and this is where the problem begins. In order to avoid the purchase clause, Atlético wants to “balance” his number of appearances and lower the average in the two seasons together to less than 50 percent. This season, Griezmann played only one game for more than 45 minutes – the derby. Considering the fact that he could play in eight games this season, Atlético lowered the average of the two seasons combined to 70 percent (31/44). Therefore, if Siamone wants to use Griezmann for 90 minutes, he will only be able to do it in specific games.
So what’s left?
Of course there are many variables. How far will Atlético go in the Champions League and the Copa del Rey, player eligibility and suspensions due to tickets. Therefore, we will do the calculation according to the previous season of the Colchoneros. So, in the cup they were eliminated in the second round and the champions reached the quarter finals. In such a scenario, Griezmann’s potential number of games (in both seasons) would be 86.
Currently, as mentioned, 31 appearances must be made, so hypothetically if he does not play more than 45 minutes until the end of the season, the percentage of games in the contract will drop to 36. Therefore, if Atlético continues to mature and does not want to pass the 50 percent to avoid the purchase clause, Cholo will be able to use Griezmann for more than 45 minutes in 12 more games this season. As mentioned, this calculation refers to the fact that the Colchoneros will play 50 times as in the previous season. If they go further in the Champions League and the Cup, Griezmann will be able to play more, and vice versa.
the fear
True, first of all the health, but if Griezmann gets injured, Atlético will also be in trouble in terms of the deal with Barcelona. As mentioned, Griezmann now stands at 70 percent of games with more than 45 minutes, and if he is injured, the games he will miss will not count and will not lower the percentages. Atlético must be fit and play less than 45 minutes in order for the game to be considered in the contract and reduce the amount to less than half. Cholo gave an order that he should not be bumped into in training?