Atletico Madrid News
Official: Atletico Madrid starting lineup against Elche
Atletico Madrid returned to winning ways against Real Madrid on the weekend as Yannick Carrasco’s penalty was enough to separate the derby rivals. Tonight, they take on 14th-placed Elche in the hope of building on that win.
As the lineup suggests, Carrasco starts on the left-wing in a 4-4-2, while captain Koke has taken the role on the right side. Rodrigo de Paul and Geoffrey Kondogbia form the double pivot.
Angel Correa has been benched following his subpar outing, with Antoine Griezmann replacing him as one of the two attackers. Matheus Cunha retains his position and will act as the primary target man.
Sime Vrsaljko and Reinildo Mandava are the fullbacks, but only the former is expected to be part of offensive transitions. Jose Maria Gimenez and Stefan Savic start in the heart of the midfield, while Jan Oblak guard the goal.
This formation will likely morph into a 3-5-2 and even a 3-3-4 with Carrasco as the furthest man forward and Reilindo acting as an auxiliary centre-back.
Confirmed Atletico Madrid XI: Oblak; Vrsaljko, Savic, Gimenez, Reinildo; Koke, de Paul, Kondogbia, Carrasco; Correa, Cunha
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.
