Atlético Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann has opened up following his team’s surprising elimination from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Despite collecting six points in the group stage, Atlético were knocked out on head-to-head tiebreakers, finishing third behind Brazil’s Botafogo. For a side expected to progress comfortably to the knockout rounds, the result was a bitter disappointment.
But in his post-match reflections, Griezmann urged teammates, fans, and the media not to blame refereeing decisions or external factors. Instead, he stressed that the problems were internal — and that only hard work and accountability could lead Atlético back on track.In his comments, Griezmann was frank about where responsibility lies. “Few teams get eliminated with six points, but that’s our case. We need to accept it. There’s a lot we need to work on and look at. We have to start with ourselves, from within. What’s left is to keep working,” he said.
He was quick to dismiss the idea of blaming referees, a common talking point in the aftermath of controversial exits. “We must not focus on the referees. A match lasts 90 minutes. We had time to win and score. Sometimes it depends on us. This is a deeper problem and work to be done inside the team, not with the referees.”
For Griezmann, the frustration was clear, but so was the solution: accountability. The Frenchman highlighted that self-reflection is crucial. Every player, he suggested, has areas to improve, and only by addressing those internal shortcomings will Atlético move forward.Atlético’s elimination was especially painful because, on paper, they did enough to advance. With six points, the same total as Botafogo, they lost out only on head-to-head results. While it was a cruel way to bow out, it underscored how small margins can decide the outcome of major tournaments.
The Club World Cup, expanded to 32 teams in 2025 and staged across the United States, has added new layers of competition and unpredictability. For Atlético, a team built on discipline and resilience under coach Diego Simeone, the early exit was not part of the plan. Finishing third in their group behind Botafogo and another qualifier shocked supporters and critics alike. For a club that prides itself on battling Europe’s best in the Champions League, the result was another reminder that consistency and sharpness are required at every stage of international competition.
Griezmann’s remarks reflect not only disappointment but also a call to action. “We need to focus on what exactly needs improving, what must be done to win matches. Everyone can do better — us, the referees… but we must look at ourselves. Sometimes we’re not at the level — and we need to fix that,” he added. The veteran striker, who has been a cornerstone of Atlético’s attack, knows the importance of leadership during difficult moments. By taking responsibility publicly, he set an example for younger players while also reinforcing the need for collective growth.
Looking ahead, Atlético Madrid face a demanding season across La Liga and European competitions. If they are to recover from this setback, Simeone’s men must find answers to the issues Griezmann alluded to: sharper finishing, more consistency in midfield, and greater mental toughness in high-stakes matches. The Club World Cup exit may serve as a wake-up call. Rather than allowing the disappointment to linger, Atlético can use it as fuel to reignite their season. Griezmann’s insistence on looking inward, rather than blaming external forces, suggests a determination to rebuild stronger foundations.
Atlético Madrid’s elimination from the 2025 Club World Cup was unexpected and frustrating, but Antoine Griezmann’s response struck a tone of realism and responsibility. Instead of blaming refereeing decisions or bad luck, he acknowledged that the real issues lie within the team itself. With six points earned but not enough to progress, the margins of failure were slim — yet revealing. For Griezmann and his teammates, the lesson is clear: improvement must come from within. If Atlético can heed those words, the disappointment of the Club World Cup could become the catalyst for a stronger future.
