‘It was tough’: Griezmann reveals mental struggle after Atletico’s collapse

Atletico Madrid’s all-time leading scorer, Antoine Griezmann, has candidly discussed the psychological impact of his team’s slump during the crucial final months of last season.

Diego Simeone’s team collapsed in La Liga and the Champions League last season, as the Spanish giant endured a difficult spell in the month of March.

Atletico entered the month top of the Spanish league table with a two-point lead over Barcelona and Real Madrid. They were also gearing up for a round of 16 tie against their city rivals in the Champions League.

However, by the end of March, they were out of the Champions League and nine points behind eventual La Liga champions Barcelona.

Speaking to AS, the 34-year-old forward admitted that Atletico’s fading challenge in both La Liga and the Champions League in March affected him deeply.

Antoine Griezmann looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Atletico de Madrid and Levante. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

“It was very tough for me mentally,” Griezmann revealed. “Because I had so much hope, so many dreams, and March wasn’t a good month for anyone; we lost La Liga and the Champions League. And my spirits plummeted, it hurt me a lot mentally, and that affected my game later on.”

Griezmann confessed that this “mental pain” distracted him from his individual pursuit of his 200th goal for the club, a milestone he eventually achieved. “I wasn’t overwhelmed, but it’s true that it felt like a long process. Especially last year at the end of the season, when I wasn’t focused on pursuing it,” he explained. “When the 200th goal arrived and I got closer, in the end the goals just came.”

Despite already cementing his legacy at Atletico with 203 goals in 461 matches and surpassing club legend Luis Aragones, Griezmann has no intention of resting on his laurels.

“I want more: La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the Champions League with Atletico,” he added.

Explaining his decision to extend his contract early, Griezmann stated: “Because I want more. I still have many minutes left to play, plenty of legs and mental strength to play with and be someone important at the club. And I know I have to prove that to everyone, and I still want to be even more important.”

Griezmann has scored four goals in 12 appearances this season. The Frenchman will be eager to help Atletico achieve success in La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League.