Speaking ahead of the start of this season, Simeone said he appreciated Griezmann but would let him play another role.
“He will play backwards than last season because it works,” the Argentina coach said.
“The level of competition for the starting spot at Atletico is very high, so no one is guaranteed anything.”
Barca management is concerned Atletico deliberately did not use striker Antoine Griezmann enough games to avoid a buy-out clause.
Barca believe that coach Diego Simeone has received instructions from atletico leaders not to put Griezmann in the first team this season.