Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann expressed his excitement for the Champions League semi-final second leg against Arsenal, with the tie delicately poised at 1-1. The veteran forward is potentially playing his final Champions League matches, depending on Atletico’s progression to the final.
While coach Diego Simeone emphasized emotional control before the match, Griezmann appeared notably relaxed. “I keep thinking about it, I’m really looking forward to tomorrow, I’m very excited, it will be a great game to play, to experience and hopefully we can have the same level of support, level of play and the second half that we experienced,” he stated.
Griezmann is focusing on mental preparation and eagerness to play, rather than dwelling on the outcome. “I’m visualising tomorrow’s game, knowing what I have to do, and as I said before, I don’t dwell too much on the match itself, whether I have one or two left. I focus on being mentally prepared and eager to play.”
‘Before I used to experience these games with a lot of stress’
Unlike in the past, Griezmann approaches these high-stakes matches with a newfound calmness. “It doesn’t matter if I score or not, I’d rather advance or win a match than score a goal. I’m calmer and more relaxed going into these matches. I used to experience a lot of stress. Before, I would visualise the matches 50 times, but now I’m calmer, more relaxed, and know what might happen, so I can focus on winning.”
Reflecting on his past experiences, including scoring in an Europa League final against Arsenal a decade ago, Griezmann highlighted his evolution as a player. “That final, that year was very different. I used to arrive at matches under a lot of stress. My games were played at full speed, and I didn’t know when to stop, when to pause. Now I’m a better player, more complete, calmer, and I approach the match with more enthusiasm and joy. These are moments you think will come back, but they don’t. Tomorrow I’m incredibly excited, very happy, and I’m going to enjoy it, because playing in a Champions League semi-final isn’t something that happens to just anyone.”
‘I lead by example, not by talking’ – Griezmann
Griezmann discussed his leadership role within the team, emphasizing his preference for leading by action. “Champions League matches are always different, exciting. For me, it’s been helpful that I’ve wanted to play in them since I was a kid. I’m not one to talk to the younger players; I prefer to lead by example, to show enthusiasm, joy, and a lot of motivation to play the match. Then there’s the action and the game itself, things I can do tactically or technically to help my teammates, and knowing when to slow the game down and when to speed it up when it’s my turn – that’s where I can contribute the most. Kokin [Koke] is more about talking and motivating people with words; I’m more about actions.”
He also spoke about the team’s aspirations for the Champions League. “Every time we start the Champions League, you picture yourself lifting the trophy. Any team and player, any kid in their bedroom. We’re two games away, and we’re going to try to be tactically and defensively sound, and continue the form we showed in the second half at home, which was very good, but it would be nice to have a few more goals.”
Griezmann’s decision to remain at Atletico Madrid
Griezmann addressed his decision to stay at Atletico Madrid, postponing a potential move to Orlando City. “I’ve always been clear: my idea was to stay here because I felt we could do something incredible, and we’re one step away from playing in another final, something historic. The team knows it; there’s a lot of calm and absolute confidence from everyone.”
This decision also allows him to continue mentoring young talent like Alex Baena. “It’s a bit of a change in playing style. He played a lot on the wing at Villarreal, but here he’ll be playing centrally. He knows very well where he’s gotten to, which is very difficult for any player, especially players like us. I see a lot of similarities between me and him. Between the coach, his teammates, the fans, and him, they’ll find the key for him to reach his full potential.”
Arsenal and Atletico Madrid will face off at the Emirates on Tuesday night with the aggregate score at 1-1. Griezmann, who hit the crossbar in the first leg, is expected to start again.