Atletico Madrid News
Atletico left-back Renan Lodi sought a psychologist after Copa America defeat to Argentina
Renan Lodi was one of the most vilified players in the Brazilian media when the South American giants lost to their arch-rivals Argentina in last year’s Copa America final.
Not only did the Atletico Madrid fullback had kept Angel Di Maria onside, but he also failed to clear Rodrigo de Paul’s attempted through ball. The mistake led to Di Maria comfortably beating Ederson Moraes, scoring the only goal of the game.
Argentina’s victory helped them put an end to a 28-year wait for silverware. It also granted Lionel Messi his first major international triumph with Argentina.
Back in Brazil, Lodi received brutal treatment and was criticised for his performance in the final. He is yet to even make a single appearance for the Selecao since the defeat to Argentina.
In an interview with TNT Sports, Lodi has opened up on his struggles since the Copa America defeat where he has revealed his difficulties to cope with fierce critics. He even admitted to seeking a psychologist in order to get him through the tough period.
“It was all very hard. I cried a lot. I got sick in my head and went in search of a psychologist and all because it was very difficult. That’s when I gave that fall inside the club as well. It affected me a lot,” Lodi said.
After a difficult summer, the 23-year-old returned to Atletico Madrid, hoping to help Los Colchoneros defend the league title. However, the defender has failed to establish himself as a first-team regular Diego Simeone, who has largely favoured Yannick Carrasco in the wing-back slot.
With Carrasco suspended, though, Lodi is being tipped to start for Atletico in their midweek Champions League encounter against Manchester United. It is a must-win game for the left-back and his compadres as they look to seal a ticket to the last eight of the competition.
Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid, Chelsea contact PSG midfielder’s agent with player set to leave
Atletico Madrid and Chelsea are among the clubs that have made contact with the agent of PSG midfielder Leandro Paredes, who is set to leave this summer.
This claim comes from journalist Martin Arevalo on ESPN, who states that apart from Atletico and Chelsea, an unnamed third club have also established contact with the Argentine international’s representative.
Paredes has been on PSG’s books since January 2019, when he arrived from Zenit St. Petersburg. For a large part of his time at the French capital outfit, the midfielder had been a regular starter in the side.
However, last summer saw Paredes get shipped out on loan to Juventus. He has played 33 times for the Bianconeri this season with a return of one goal and assist apiece.
The Serie A heavyweights, who were recently hit with a 10-point deduction, have the option to purchase him permanently. But, as per the report, his relationship with manager Massimiliano Allegri is not good and a return to PSG is on the cards.
And considering that he is not in the plans back at Parc des Princes either, a permanent departure away seems set in stone for Paredes.
As such, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, and an unnamed club have shown interest in acquiring his services by making contact with the 28-year-old World Cup winner’s agent.
With Koke entering the final phase of his career and Geoffrey Kondogbia expected to leave at the end of the season, the Rojiblancos could do with reinforcements in the centre of the park.
Paredes, who has plenty of experience at the highest level and is known for his aggressive mentality, can be a good fit into Diego Simeone’s setup at the Civitas Metropolitano.
But, with Chelsea also in the picture, things could get tricky for the Colchoneros. After all, Atleti are operating on tight finances and are looking for bargain and free transfer signings in the market with the likes of Marcus Thuram, Jordi Alba, and Raphael Guerreiro emerging as targets.
