Atletico Madrid News
Rodrigo De Paul lashes out at critics after winning the World Cup with Argentina
Rodrigo De Paul has always given his all to the Argentine National Team. His performances for Atletico Madrid may not ooze class, but the player never disappoints while donning the prestigious blue and white colours.
The midfielder was celebrating Argentina’s historic and nail-biting win over France in the World Cup final on TikTok live (h/t Albiceleste Talk) and sent a clear message to his haters, and rightfully so, as a World Champion.
“We are in history forever. And to whoever doubted me, suck my d***.”
The Atletico Madrid player was one of Argentina’s most important players in midfield, starting all games and winning duel after duel in the middle of the park.
In his seven appearances, he averaged over seven defensive actions and a key pass per game. He might not have had his best individual performance in the final but was crucial in helping his side dominate France for 70-odd minutes.
De Paul will return to action for his club after a short and well-deserved hiatus and could make it in time for Atletico Madrid’s key game against Barcelona in early January.
In twelve La Liga appearances for Diego Simeone’s side this season, De Paul has scored one goal and provided one assist. However, he has not been a regular starter for Los Rojiblancos and averages just under an hour played per game.
After a strong World Cup campaign and a taste of nectar, one hopes that the 28-year-old returns with the same intensity and drops similar masterclasses for Los Rojiblancos.
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.
