Atletico Madrid News
La Liga striker ‘would like to play’ for Atletico Madrid, confirms father
The saga of Joao Felix and Atletico Madrid came to a temporary end on Tuesday through an impending loan move to Chelsea.The news of a possible switch to the Premier League had been doing the rounds for a few weeks, and Atleti can claim to have got a blockbuster deal.
His six-month loan stint will see the London-based side pay €11 million for his services in addition to covering his full wages.
Having lost one of their best play-making forwards, Los Rojiblancos see it as the right time to sign a replacement. One of the names mentioned as a possible target is Enes Unal.
The Turkish International’s father spoke to AS recently, confirming the rumours about Diego Simeone’s side being interested in his signing while stating that the striker would like to make the switch.
“Enes would like to play for Atlético de Madrid. I know about Atleti’s interest, it’s not something new because they were also interested last summer.”
He then revealed that the Spanish giants would have to make a move fast, stating that there was a very narrow window for Unal.
“If Getafe does not receive an offer before the end of this week, it will be impossible because they would need time to sign a replacement.”
The 25-year-old has been amongst Getafe’s best players this season. In 16 La Liga games, he has scored four goals and provided three assists.
The other, and perhaps more probable choice to replace Felix is Memphis Depay. The Dutchman has seen little action under Xavi Hernandez at Barcelona this season and would welcome a move away with guaranteed minutes.
However, it remains to be seen if the Catalans give away their winger to a direct opponent.
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.
