Barcelona Frenchman says Valverde is calmer than Luis Enrique

Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann may not be in his best form so far this season but he still has a big fan in Samuel Umtiti who would like to see him playing at Barcelona.

The French forward has netted just three goals in all competitions, leading Diego Simeone to bemoan a lack of a game-winner in his squad.

"If it is an option, I would tell Griezmann to come to Barcelona," Umtiti explained in an interview with Diari Ara.

"I have a great friendship with him.

"We can see by his work with Atletico, he's a top level player."

Having arrived at the Camp Nou at the beginning of the 2016/17 season, the former Lyon defender has been able to work closely with both Luis Enrique and Ernesto Valverde.

With the former Athletic Club coach having overseen such a positive start to the campaign, the French international believes he has brought a level of calmness to the squad.

"Each coach is different," he confirmed.

"As such we have seen a different way of working.

"The new coach is more relaxed, has a different way of managing and he brings calmness."

Ousmane Dembele's return from a serious hamstring injury is getting closer, and Umtiti is encouraged by the former Dortmund winger's enthusiasm to return to action.

"It's complicated, but I see he is animated and energetic," he intimated.

"He wants to come back and learn Spanish quickly.

"It is frustrating, but when he can play, people will see a really great player."

The political climate in Spain at the present moment is a difficult one and Barcelona as an entity are right at the epicentre of it given their Catalan heritage.

Whilst the struggle rumbles on in the background, the 23-year-old praised Gerard Pique for addressing the issue.

"I am part of this club, a club with its own opinions," he stated.

"You cannot isolate yourself, Pique explained to us what was happening when we played Las Palmas.

"He has the right to express himself, he is a very smart person."