Atletico Madrid News
Simeone talks Ancelotti, 36th derby, and guard of honour ahead of Real Madrid clash
Real Madrid wrapped up their 35th title win last weekend against Espanyol in style and followed that up with a sensational comeback win in the UEFA Champions League against Manchester City to qualify for the finals.
They are riding on incredible momentum, and will travel to the outskirts of Spanish capital Madrid to lock horns against Atletico Madrid for the 35th round in La Liga.
Ahead of the Madrid derby, Diego Simeone addressed the media as part of his pre-game press conference, specially revealing their plans on the guard of honour.
On the game, and his 36th Madrid derby: “I would like to tell you all the feelings, emotions, and experiences that have happened. So many finals, Champions Leagues, Super Cups, leagues. We are against a rival who is very strong, and we continue to see today the strength they have.”
“It’s always exciting to face a rival like Madrid, more so just after they became champions.”
“The meaning of a derby is to always win.”
On the guard of honour: “These questions try to generate a bit of controversy. What happens, in reality, is that the club made a concrete statement to congratulate Real Madrid, the players, the coaching staff, because they have done a good job.”
“We have respect for Madrid, but more so for our fans.”
On the team’s energy: “We know it it will every hard until the end. We have to face Madrid, Villarreal, Sevilla, Betis.”
On Madrid making changes and what to expect: “No, because the structure is not going to change, the way of playing. Ancelotti is a great coach, with very clear ideas. Whoever plays for them will maintain their plan, the names vary but not the ideas.”
Source: Atletico Madrid Twitter
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.
