Atletico Madrid News
“I am doing my best”: Joao Felix opens up on Atletico Madrid struggles
The Ullevaal Stadium saw Atletico Madrid take on Manchester United earlier this week in a friendly clash. The two European giants battled hard, but it was the Spanish outfit that came out on top after 90 minutes.
The difference on the night was a goal by Joao Felix in the dying minutes. The youngster spoke to Diario AS after the clash about his spell at the club so far and his expectations from the current season. Here are the snippets from Felix’s interview
The scorer of the only goal on the night began his interview by sarcastically answering an odd question by the interviewer. The reporter asked if it was the Portuguese international that the club sorely missed in recent years, to which he smiled and replied,
“This is going to be my fourth year.”
When prompted to answer the question about his newfound form, the forward spoke optimistically about his feelings.
“Yes, I understand (smiles), but no, I’m fine, I’m happy, I’m working to help the team, give joy to the club and all the people of Atleti.”
His first season saw Felix face an uphill challenge to adapt to a new system, while his second year was marred by injuries. After his third year passed in mediocrity too, the Portuguese international was asked about his thoughts on the upcoming season.
“The other years I always tried to be better. If this is my year, I don’t know. It depends, we don’t know about the future. But what I can assure you is that I am doing my best to be at the best level so that I can help the team and the club.”
Felix is often criticised for his subpar performances in recent years, but the youngster defended himself and elaborated on the progress he had made since his arrival.
“I arrived [to Atlético Madrid] young, I’m still young but I’ve already grown a lot and I’m sure to grow more. And I’m fine. I’m happy. I have a calm head and when so, things go naturally and let’s hope things are good.”
Finally, the 22-year-old was asked his views on the heavy competition for a starting spot in the forward line.
“With Griezmann, with Álvaro (Morata), with Cunha, with Ángel (Correa). We all get along well and on the field, the team is doing great.”
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.
