Atletico Madrid News
Simeone refuses to comment on Lewandowski situation ahead of Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona
Robert Lewandowski’s involvement against Espanyol in the Catalan derby has caused a lot of controversy in Spain this week, with Espanyol notably lodging an official complaint, condemning Central Contentious Court of Madrid’s decision to provide temporary relief on the striker’s three-match suspension.
The Catalan outfit went on to challenge the result of the game that ended 1-1, demanding that Barcelona forfeit the result as they believe Blaugrana fielding Lewandowski in the starting eleven was ‘improper’.
With the jury still out on Lewandowski’s availability in Barcelona’s upcoming game against Atletico Madrid, coach Diego Simeone was asked about the matter in a recent press conference.
Speaking ahead of the Copa Del Rey game against Real Oviedo, Simeone was asked about Lewandowski. However, the Atletico Madrid manager offered a blunt response and refused to talk about the Pole.
“Oviedo,” said Simeone (h/t Mundo Deportivo) when asked about Lewandowski’s availability in the game against Barcelona.
The Argentine’s blunt response suggests he is taking one game at a time and is fully focused on getting past the Round of 32 tie against Real Oviedo in Copa Del Rey.
The matchup against the Catalans, though, could be an important one for Atletico Madrid, in their bid to solidify their position inside the top four. The club from the capital have not had the best of starts to the season, but while the title race is out of the question, they are still in a position to fight for third place.
Atletico Madrid are currently standing fourth in the league table, with 27 points on the board. They are trailing third-placed Real Sociedad by two points, but with Athletic Club also breathing down their necks, there should be no margin for error when they take on Barça this weekend.
Sofyan Amrabat is a player in demand, with the midfielder reportedly a top target for various clubs during the January transfer window, as confirmed by his brother.
However, Atletico Madrid are also keeping tabs on the Moroccan international, with the club said to be interested in bringing him to Wanda Metropolitano.
According to Foot Mercato, Amrabat is keen on moving to La Liga, and Atletico Madrid are one of the clubs that he admires. The midfielder had previously praised Atleti boss Diego Simeone, further fueling speculation of a potential move to the Spanish capital.
Atletico Madrid’s interest in Amrabat comes in the midst of uncertainty over the future of Axel Witsel.
The Fiorentina star could be a possible replacement for the Belgian midfielder, whose contract at the club expires at the end of the season, with his father hinting at a possible exit.
However, Atleti would face competition from Barcelona in the pursuit of Amrabat, who appears to be prioritising a move to Camp Nou. The Moroccan international could potentially become an excellent alternative for Barça’s top target, Martin Zubimendi.
However, Fiorentina is unlikely to let the midfielder go cheaply, and Barcelona would have to sort out their economic situation to afford him.
That is where Atletico Madrid might look to get ahead of the Catalans. Although the Spanish giants are also struggling with finances, they may still be able to swoop in and secure the services of the Fiorentina star come the end of the season.
It is too early to deduce anything just yet. A lot will be uncovered as we enter the final phase of the season. Amrabat himself will be keen on making a definitive decision on his future, as he looks to take the next step in his career.
