Atletico Madrid News
Simeone laments over 2016 Champions League final loss to Real Madrid: “It’s a failure”
The special connection between Diego Simeone and Atletico Madrid is something seldom spoken about. The Argentine manager single-handedly pulled Los Colchoneros out of the water upon his arrival and constructed a champion team capable of competing on all fronts.
This season, his side have not gotten off to the best of starts. Los Rojiblancos have dropped points in two of their first four games and currently sit seventh on the league standings.
Earlier this week, Simeone spoke to ESPN Futbol Argentina where he gave his thoughts on his tenure at the club so far and the current season. Here are the snippets from his interview.
The 2016 Champions League final will go down as one of the worst moments in Simeone’s professional career. His men had the UCL title in their hands but painfully let it slip away in the penalty shootout against arch-rivals Real Madrid. The manager said that he still considered it a failure on his part.
“I knew we could win that Champions League, and I didn’t win it. So for me, it’s a failure. I was convinced that we could win it, I swear.”
Atletico Madrid and Argentina midfielder Rodrigo de Paul faced severe criticism at the end of last season for his sub-par performance in his first year at the club. However, Simeone outright denied the sentiment and spoke about the midfielder’s role in the team.
“He plays much better than I played. He looks better than what I saw. He is a boy who has a special place. He has football leadership. Here at Atlético, we need him, we invite him to compete.”
The Argentine’s father, Carlos Simeone, passed away earlier this year. Cholo spoke about his special bond with his father and added that he missed him.
“I miss my father, how would I not? He passed away not too long ago and I’m sure that he’s watching us from wherever he is. I’m neither more nor less like any kid who losses his dad. I miss him a lot.”
A lot has been made over Atletico’s nom colourful methodology of winning games by low margins. Some have gone to the extreme of calling it anti-football. Yet, Simeone defended his philosophy when asked by the Argentine outlet.
“I ask all those who are creative, spectacular, and extraordinary, it’s the end of the world and you are offered to win 1-0 but while playing badly, do you take it or not?
“Because I have had teammates who were quality, really good on the ball, and one day they would tell me ‘Look, we have to win today’ [and I would think] ‘Ahh today? Just today? Not other days?’ (Laughs).”
Atletico Madrid will face off against FC Porto in their first game of the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night.
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.
