Atletico Madrid News
Oblak and Koke talk Manchester City clash
Atletico Madrid would have hoped for a convincing win over relegation-threatened Mallorca to boost their confidence for the game ahead. Diego Simeone’s side next face Manchester City in the second leg of the UCL quarterfinals and are a goal down on aggregate.
However, things went from bad to worse very fast for Los Rojiblancos. The team fell to a 1-0 defeat to Mallorca in what was a weak and powerless display.
After the defeat at San Moix, Koke and Jan Oblak spoke to the press and reflected on the defeat and the game to come.
“Things didn’t work out today, dry pitch, sun, we’re not looking for excuses because we haven’t done enough.
“We’ve been a bit tired, a bit heavy, we haven’t played the game we should have and I don’t think it’s a penalty but if from the VAR they didn’t warn,” said Oblak.
Koke spoke about the difficult game to come against Pep Guardiola’s side and emphasised on it being a special night for fans.
“We have a very important game on Wednesday, hopefully, it will be an unforgettable night, with our people, it will be spectacular.
“It has been a long time since such an environment has been lived from the inside, hopefully, it will be an unforgettable night,” the midfielder said.
On Wednesday, Atletico will have to score at least two goals more than the Premier League champions to qualify for the semifinals. While Manchester City are the clear favourites to advance, one cannot write off Diego Simeone’s men at any stage in the competition.
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.
