Atletico Madrid News
Diego Simeone delighted with Griezmann’s form: “The kiss was for the player”
Atletico Madrid’s fixture against Sevilla on Matchday 24 of La Liga was perhaps Diego Simeone’s most special game as the manager of the club. The night marked a milestone in the Argentine tactician’s career, making him the coach with the most appearances in Atletico Madrid’s history.
His players gave him the perfect gift at Civitas Metropolitano as they posted a rampant 6-1 win over Sevilla in their best performance of the season. Braces from Memphis Depay and Alvaro Morata with solitary goals from Antoine Griezmann and Yannick Carrasco helped the Rojiblancos seal the result.
After the game, Simeone did not hold back on his emotions as the realisation of his achievement slowly sunk in. As part of his media interaction, he has special words for his disciple Griezmann who is a club legend in his own right and even gave him a friendly kiss on TV.
“I love the person that Griezmann is, but I value the footballer. The kiss is more for the footballer because of commitment. He had wonderful years, chose to leave, understood that he had to return, it was difficult for him to be the Griezmann we know.”
Very few understand the struggle the French forward had to put up with during his second stint at the club. At the beginning of the season, he was played sparingly, and almost exclusively off the bench, to avoid triggering a purchase clause on his contract.
However, he earned a permanent move back to the club through consistency and hard work and is now once again the heart and soul of the Rojiblancos setup.
In 24 La Liga games for Atletico Madrid this season, the 31-year-old has scored eight goals and provided eight assists. Further, he averages two key passes per game and has created thirteen big chances.
Sofyan Amrabat is a player in demand, with the midfielder reportedly a top target for various clubs during the January transfer window, as confirmed by his brother.
However, Atletico Madrid are also keeping tabs on the Moroccan international, with the club said to be interested in bringing him to Wanda Metropolitano.
According to Foot Mercato, Amrabat is keen on moving to La Liga, and Atletico Madrid are one of the clubs that he admires. The midfielder had previously praised Atleti boss Diego Simeone, further fueling speculation of a potential move to the Spanish capital.
Atletico Madrid’s interest in Amrabat comes in the midst of uncertainty over the future of Axel Witsel.
The Fiorentina star could be a possible replacement for the Belgian midfielder, whose contract at the club expires at the end of the season, with his father hinting at a possible exit.
However, Atleti would face competition from Barcelona in the pursuit of Amrabat, who appears to be prioritising a move to Camp Nou. The Moroccan international could potentially become an excellent alternative for Barça’s top target, Martin Zubimendi.
However, Fiorentina is unlikely to let the midfielder go cheaply, and Barcelona would have to sort out their economic situation to afford him.
That is where Atletico Madrid might look to get ahead of the Catalans. Although the Spanish giants are also struggling with finances, they may still be able to swoop in and secure the services of the Fiorentina star come the end of the season.
It is too early to deduce anything just yet. A lot will be uncovered as we enter the final phase of the season. Amrabat himself will be keen on making a definitive decision on his future, as he looks to take the next step in his career.
