Atletico Madrid News
Koke speaks out on Felix’s Atletico Madrid future following 1-0 win vs Rayo Vallecano
Koke’s goal secured three points for Atletico Madrid yesterday vs Rayo Vallecano. Los Rojiblancos were pushed back for the majority of the game at Vallecas until Felix provided the sumptuous assist to Koke for the only goal of the game.
Since his big-money move to Madrid, Felix has struggled to justify his price tag. The pressure from media coupled with the drastic change in style has seen the Portuguese international regress in terms of output.
The 22-year-old has scored six goals and provided four assists in 21 league games for Los Rojiblancos this season. Additionally, he has created six big chances and averages a key pass per ninety minutes.
When asked about the forward’s uncertain future at the Wanda Metropolitano, Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke extended his complete support and backed Felix. As reported by Fichajes he said:
“Well, he has a contract with Atlético de Madrid, where he is going to be. Hopefully he will be here for many years. The club has made a very large investment, it is not easy to play at Atleti, it is not easy to adapt.”
“Little by little, Joao is doing it, for phases of several seasons he has done it and this season he has exploded,” he added.
The club captain’s backing comes as a massive relief to Felix and will boost his confidence ahead of a crucial Champions League clash. Atletico Madrid will meet Manchester City in the quarter-finals of the UCL next month, and the youngster will be key if they are to pull off an upset.
Last month, the player had a clash with Simeone through media when he said he knew the problem behind the team’s struggles. Felix’s statements did not go down well with the manager.
Since then, however, both the team, and Felix have been on an upward trajectory. As it stands, they sit third in La Liga, and will retain their position if Barcelona cannot pull off a win vs Real Madrid later tonight.
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.
