Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid still negotiating with Barcelona for attacker, player open to move – Romano
The twists and turns in Memphis Depay’s transfer saga just do not end. Both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have their reservations about the move, but it is the Catalan board who seems to be hesitant to commit to his sale.
Initially, the idea was welcomed in Barcelona as it would not only see the outcast depart but also open the door for a reinforcement to arrive. As the days progressed, it came to light that the Catalans were against selling him to Atletico Madrid as they were a direct opposition.
If reports from Fabrizio Romano are to be believed, it is almost certain that Depay will leave Barcelona in January. The decision has been made and the player is eager to try a new experience at a new club.
The forward is willing to join Atletico Madrid, who are the frontrunners in his pursuit. Nothing has been agreed upon between the parties yet, but negotiations better the La Liga giants are already ongoing.
The need for a new forward at the Civitas Metropolitano is real and seen as the top priority. The departure of Joao Felix leaves a void in Diego Simeone’s attack, one that Depay would fill perfectly given his profile.
His contract with the Blaugrana ends in the summer, thus making him available for a subsidised rate in the ongoing window. Yet, the operation may not be as cheap as one expects as Barcelona will only let him go if they recover enough space to sign a replacement.
With close to half the season beyond us, the 28-year-old has played just two games for the Azulgranas in La Liga. His most recent appearance for the club came against CF Intercity in the Copa del Rey, when he recorded one blocked shot and hit the woodwork once in addition to playing four key passes.
Reports suggest the possibility of Yannick Carrasco being included in a possible swap deal with the Dutch international and it remains to be seen if negotiations proceed down that track.
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.
