Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid president talks Griezmann, Morata, De Paul, lack of centre-back signings
Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo spoke to the media earlier today ahead of the team’s UEFA Champions League encounter against Club Brugge at the Jan Breydel Stadium in Belgium.
The Rojiblancos supremo insisted that it is extremely important that the club win the game tonight, having lost their last Champions League encounter against Bayer Leverkusen prior to the international break.
As quoted by AS, he said: “Unquestionably we have to win, because if we don’t we will be annoyed to go through to the Round of 16. We have hope, the team are happy, and they are fine. They already showed in Seville that they play well, that they want to win.”
Diego Simeone switched the formation of the team to a 4-4-2 in the last game against Sevilla which Atletico won. When quizzed if that setup suited them better, Cerezo replied:
“The team played well and were able to score more goals, they played a great game and that’s what matters and what people like.”
There has been a lot of criticism directed towards Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodrigo De Paul after he missed the Sevilla game due to personal reasons and was spotted in Miami afterwards. He is back now and has been included in the squad for the Club Brugge encounter.
When asked for his thoughts on the matter, Cerezo said: “I say it very clearly, it is an issue between De Paul and us. That’s all.”
On being asked if the Argentine midfielder had received permission from Atletico Madrid for his absence, Cerezo reiterated his earlier reply, saying:
“It is an issue between him and us. What happens outside of here is of no interest to anyone except the club and him. The rest is clear. Let everyone think what they want…”
The Colchoneros president also talked about Alvaro Morata and his turnaround of fortunes as the Spaniard could have left the club in the summer but is now proving to be a key performer.
“In Morata he has always believed and that is why he is with us. What happens is that in the circumstances of the world of football, these things happen many times. You (media) also change jobs,” Cerezo exclaimed.
The Atletico Madrid president also talked about Antoine Griezmann’s current game-time situation, with Simeone only using him after the 60th minute to avoid paying Barcelona the full €40 million permanent purchase clause.
While there have been reports of negotiations going on between the two clubs, Cerezo said that there had been no change with regard to the Frenchman’s playing time.
“Regarding Griezmann, life goes on the same. Let’s hope he plays after 60′. In the world of football, negotiations are always taking place,” he said.
There have been a lot of questions regarding Atletico Madrid’s recruitment this summer, with fans especially displeased with the lack of investment in the centre-back department. When put that question forward by a journalist, Cerezo said:
“If they don’t understand it, how can I understand it? We have a complete team, maybe what you say is true, but our technicians still think it’s not.”
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.
