Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid CEO comments on racial abuse against Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr
After Atletico Madrid issued a statement condemning the racist abuse directed towards Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr at the Civitas Metropolitano, their CEO, Miguel Angel Gil Marin has spoken out on the matter.
Vinicius was subjected to racist chants outside and inside the Civitas Metropolitano on Sunday on the day of the Madrid derby, which Atleti lost 1-2. The 22-year-old was targeted specifically by a section of home supporters and Miguel Angel Gil Marin has denounced the act.
“I know our fans well and it is unacceptable that someone can think they are racist. Those cries from a minority embarrass us atletico and cannot stain the image of the club, nor the behavior and sentiment of the vast majority.”
The club CEO also responded to the comments made by Spain Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, saying: “I appreciate that you remind us of our obligation, and I am one hundred percent in agreement with your comment.”
At the same time, though, he defended Atletico Madrid, saying: “I must also point out that pursuing these scourges is everyone’s job, not just the club managers. They accuse us when in reality we are also victims.”
He also seemed to be taking a pointed dig at some of the players who came out in support of Vinicius after Atletico Madrid captain Koke had made comments warning him about pulling out his dancing celebrations at the Metropolitano.
“I did not understand the campaign that was created, with exaggerated demonstrations, misrepresenting the statements of our captain, mixing it with a phrase with racist overtones from someone outside our club,” he said.
“That generated a climate of unnecessary and inconvenient tension before a match of maximum rivalry sporty. The time has come to also demand responsibility and professionalism from all those who intervene in the world of football.”
Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid midfielder on the derby against Real Madrid: “Very difficult to beat them”
Following a 1-1 draw in their Champions League opener against Lazio, Atletico Madrid will shift all their attention to La Liga, as they brace themselves for the derby against Real Madrid this weekend.
Heading into this game, Atleti midfielder Marcos Llorente spoke about Real Madrid’s quality and Atletico Madrid’s chances of squeezing all three points from this iconic derby.
Llorente on Madrid derby
“The sensations are good. The team is very good, the other day we played a great game despite ending up drawing. I really think that the team did a great job that must be maintained for this match,” Llorente said in an interview with Diario AS.
When asked whether or not Real Madrid being tagged as favourites could aid Atleti, the midfielder said, “Honestly, it neither motivates me nor demotivates me. We simply have to do what we work on during the week, what the coach asks of us.”
Llorente stressed the importance of the game, adding, “It is a great rival we have in front of us, they are having a very good start to the season and that motivates me and everyone to try to play a good game.”
“Real Madrid is a great club, they have great players and it is very difficult to beat them. I think we have competed, we have also achieved several draws, but in the end, either you go out one hundred percent and do things very, very well or it is difficult to beat them,” he added.
A former member of the Real Madrid youth academy, Llorente joined Atletico Madrid in 2019. Since then, he has racked up over 150 competitive appearances for Los Colchoneros.
Llorente, though, said he feels no sense of vindication when he performs well against his former team.
“No. In the end, it’s been many years since I left there and I’m at Atlético. Perhaps in the first years, those types of feelings and sensations can arise, but today they no longer do,” he said.
Llorente on Vinicius, Koke & Bellingham
The Atletico Madrid star went on to talk about other aspects of the game, including the fact that his team had one less player every time they faced Real Madrid last season.
“I have zero worries. These are things that are not in our remit, that escape our hands. We play football, the referees referee and those who have to decide decide,” he said.
Llorente, in fact, said that the return of Koke could be a real boost for Atleti. “It is always good that Koke is with us, both on the field and in the day-to-day life of the game,” he said.
“Beyond the grass. The support he gives, the advice he gives us, his experience. it is always important to have him and it is great news that he is already training with us,” he added.
Talking about the absence of Vinicius Junior and the form of Jude Bellingham, Llorente said, “Well, you have to be careful with everyone. All Real Madrid players are very good and can make a difference at any moment of the game. Bellingham is having a great start and we have to take that into account and be very focused.”
Finally, Marcos Llorente put out a message for all the Atletico Madrid fans, claiming their support ahead of this crucial encounter this weekend.
“It will be a full house as always. We don’t have to tell them anything, they know the importance of this match for Atlético, we know that they never fail, they are always supporting us and we count on them,” he said.
