Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid keen on Manchester United defender, but player wants Old Trafford extension
Diogo Dalot has been one of Manchester United’s top performers since the start of the season. His performances on the right-hand side of the defence have played a key role in helping the Red Devils pick up their form under Erik ten Hag.
Dalot’s performances have not gone unnoticed either, with a report from Manchester Evening News, suggesting that the right-back has become a target of several top clubs across Europe, including Atletico Madrid.
The Spanish giants were linked with a move for Dalot earlier in the year. They had even contacted the player over a possible move to Civitas Metropolitano in January, as the club were looking to rope in him as a direct replacement for Kieran Trippier.
The Englishman’s move to Newcastle United indeed created a massive void in Atleti’s right-back unit. Although Los Colchoneros have been able to bring in Nahuel Molina in the summer, the Argentine has not quite been able to hit the ground running.
It has ultimately compelled Diego Simeone to eye a move for another right-back. That is where Dalot comes into the fray.
The Portuguese international has found himself on the crosshair of Atleti due to his consistent performances in the Premier League this season. His athleticism, coupled with his offensive prowess makes him an excellent option for Simeone’s tactical setup.
However, luring him away from Old Trafford will not be an easy task for Atletico Madrid. In fact, the player is hoping to renew his contract at Manchester United following a successful start to life under Ten Hag.
There is also additional competition from FC Barcelona, along with a host of other top clubs across Europe such as AS Roma, AC Milan and Juventus.
Hence, it will come as a surprise to see Atleti prevailing in the race to sign the Portuguese international, who has established himself as one of the most in-form right-backs in England.
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.
Peter Lawton
September 29, 2022 at 3:23 pm
Glad dalot wants to stay, when there was talk about him leaving in the summer I was hoping ten hag would keep him and show him some trust by playing him regularly, and now united are reaping the benefits. Now we just need ten hag to give him an extension.