Atletico Madrid News
Griezmann opens up on game-time situation after helping Atletico Madrid beat Porto
Atletico Madrid pulled off a crucial win over FC Porto in the dying minutes of their first UEFA Champions League game of the season on Wednesday night.
After getting the lead in the 91st minute through Mario Hermoso, the Portuguese side pulled one back five minutes later through a penalty from Mateus Uribe. Eventually, Antoine Griezmann scored the winner for Diego Simeone’s side in the 101st minute.
The Frenchman has been in fine form this season when on the pitch. The problem for him, however, is that his playing time is restricted to 30 minutes per game or less because of a bizarre contractual situation.
When asked about his limited playing time after the game, Griezmann said: “It is what it is, it’s not in my hands. I’m just thankful that I’m here. My family is happy. Of course, I want more, but I will give my everything in the minutes that they give me.”
He then spoke about how Atletico Madrid was very dear to his heart and what a return to the club meant for him.
“So much happiness. As I said when I came back, I was going to give everything. The truth is that I’m very happy here. The only thing I want is to play here and to give everything for the club, for Cholo, and the fans.”
The forward’s loan deal from Barcelona has an obligatory purchase clause that will be triggered if he plays more than 45 minutes in 50% of the matches he is available for.
Los Rojiblancos do not intend to shell out €40 million for him and are therefore ensuring that he does not reach the 45-minute mark in any game. And even though he might not be playing as much as he wants, Griezmann is making the most of his minutes.
Source: Movistar Plus
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.
