Griezmann: Every player is eager to play, both starters and substitutes need to go all out

In the 12th round of La Liga, Atletico Madrid defeated Levante 3-1. After the game, Griezmann was interviewed.

How does it feel to not be the absolute main force?

"At the end of the day, every player is eager to play. Being able to play makes him happy, but I am lucky that my teammates on the bench are also very eager to play. They support me on the court, which motivates me to give my best. I like staying here and playing here. When the coach sends me to play, I have to prove that I can do it."

Waiting for an opportunity is not easy.

"We are all equal, and my teammates want to play. No one complains, and I won't complain, because I am a role model for everyone. Those who look at me, including my son in the stands, need to see good examples, and today I did that."

What do you think of people who always focus on your age when talking about your situation?

"I can't control what others say, and I can't control what happens around me, and I have never had it before. I don't have a public relations person, and I speak with my performance on the court. Whether it takes 90 minutes or 30 minutes, I will give it my all. Everyone wants to play, and you have to prove yourself when it's your turn. The season has just begun, and there are still many games to play."

Are you adaptable to the role of the sixth man in basketball?

"Roles will continue to change throughout the season. It is November and there is still a long time to go. I don't think about the role I may play and just focus on doing a good job every minute on the court and continuing to be myself."

The team had opportunities before, but it was not until he came on the court to break the deadlock.

"The first goal I touched was scored, which was pure luck. We had many opportunities, and this is the wish of all our substitute players: to be able to change the direction of the game. Many players changed the situation after coming on the bench, which is what we need to go further this season."

The team is in good shape before the offseason.

"It is true that sometimes it is difficult for us to find solutions, but the substitutes will step forward and we must maintain this momentum and continue to work hard. We are still a long way from the best."

Substitute players have scored many goals.

"The bench is very important. We have seen that the teams that go further in various competitions are because they have a strong bench. We need everyone to go all out, whether starting or coming off the bench."

What is the role now?

"I prefer to play. As a player, of course you want to play. Since you were a child, you want to fight on the court instead of sitting on the sidelines. I accept this, I am a professional player, and I will continue to be a professional player and do my best to help the team."

Needs improvement: They will arrange targeted tactics for us.

"Yes, I said before that we are not at our best yet, but there is no need to panic. We must continue to work hard, and I believe we will improve."