Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez has scolded Antoine Griezmann for his negative comments after their goalless draw at Leganes on Saturday.
Griezmann spoke out in frustration after a second consecutive draw against a promoted outfit this season, saying: "If we continue like this we are only going to fight to avoid the drop."
But Saul, who helped Atletico finish third last season in Spain's top flight, expressed his disappointment at his teammate's choice of words.
"Griezmann has to think about what he says. You need to think where you are and what team you represent," he is quoted as saying by AS. "It's true that at the end of a game, tiredness, heat and everything else affects you but you can't say that. We have values to defend and we cannot say that."
Atletico, who started the campaign with a 1-1 draw at home to Alaves, know there is work to be done if they are to challenge favourites Barcelona and Real Madrid for the league title.
Saul, who is currently on international duty with Spain, said: "We cannot continue in this line. We all have a lot of work to do and we will all work hard to revert this situation."
Atletico, coached by Diego Simeone, resume their La Liga campaign at Celta Vigo on Sept. 10.