Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid starting lineup against Machester United friendly
Atletico Madrid are getting ready for their second pre-season fixture of the season as they get ready to face Manchester United at the Ullevaal Stadium.
For this game, Diego Simeone has opted for what looks like a 3-5-2. First-choice keeper Jan Oblak starts in goal donning the gloves.
Ahead of him, the defensive trident boasts of Mario Gimenez centrally, Stefan Savic on the right, and Reinildo Mandava on the left side.
New signing Naheul Molina gets his unofficial debut, as the right-wingback. Yannic Carrasco is expected to cover in a similar capacity on the other side of the five-man midfield.
Marcos Llorente, usually in a wide role starts in a more natural central midfield role. He will be aided by Geoffrey Kondogbia as the defensive midfielder, while Thomas Lemar will be in a more attack-minded role.
Finally, the lineup is rounded off by Matheus Cunha and Angel Correa as the two-man attack. Antoine Griezmann starts from the bench, and is expected to come on in the second half.
Confirmed Atletico XI: Oblak; Savic, Gimenez, Reinildo; Molina, Llorente, Kondogbia, Lemar, Carrasco; Correa, Cunha
Source: Atletico Madrid Twitter
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.
