Atletico Madrid News
Chelsea striker on Atletico Madrid’s agenda as they seek attacking reinforcements
According to AS, Atletico Madrid are looking at several options, including Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, to strengthen their attacking unit in the ongoing transfer window.
The Rojiblancos have already bid goodbye to Matheus Cunha and are set to part ways with Joao Felix, who is on the verge of sealing a loan move to Chelsea.
It would Diego Simeone with just Alvaro Morata, Antoine Griezmann and Angel Correa as options for the frontline, prompting Atletico to scour the market for reinforcements.
The likes of Enes Unal (Getafe), Marcus Thuram (Borussia Monchengladbach) and Borja Iglesias (Real Betis) have been linked. Apart from them, though, director Andrea Berta is also looking at other options, which include Chelsea striker Pierre-Emeric Aubameyang.
The Gabonese striker returned to England this past summer after a short stint at FC Barcelona. After having netted 12 goals in six months for the Catalans last season, Aubameyang has struggled to replicate the same form at Chelsea.
The 33-year-old has scored just one goal in nine Premier League matches so far and has copped a lot of criticism for his misfiring displays.
The former Arsenal captain was also involved in a controversial moment recently when manager Graham Potter substituted him off against Manchester City in the Premier League after having brought him on earlier in the game.
Following that, Aubameyang was completely left out of the squad for the FA Cup contest against Manchester City, leading to doubts over his future at Stamford Bridge. With Felix’s imminent move, he could be forced out of Chelsea.
And, Atletico Madrid director Andrea Berta, who has the Gabonese striker on the agenda for this window, might look to offer him a way out. Apart from Aubameyang, RB Leipzig’s Andre Silva is also being looked at.
As things stand, Atletico Madrid will need to bring in a new forward before the window closes. Only time will tell whether they move for Aubameyang or a different option to strengthen their frontline.
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.
