Atletico Madrid News
Simeone talks Griezmann, Hermoso, fans ahead of Atletico Madrid vs Celta Vigo
Atletico Madrid will look to get back to winning ways in La Liga when they lock horns with Celta Vigo at the Civitas Metropolitano on Saturday night.
Los Rojiblancos have not made the best of start to the season and are currently seventh in the table, having collected just seven points from their first four matches. But a morale-boosting last-minute win over FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League could act as the catalyst for the Rojiblancos.
Ahead of the game, Diego Simeone addressed the media in his customary pre-match briefing. The Atletico Madrid manager was asked about the situation of Antoine Griezmann, with Barcelona threatening legal action against the Colchoneros over the €40 million payment dispute.
When asked if he was worried that Griezmann might feel let down by the club due to their stance, Simeone deflected from the topic and replied: “I think Celta is working very well. That’s what really worries us.”
Talking about his opponents on Saturday, Simeone also said: “They are working very well, have been competing hard. They play very well, with a coach who has very clear ideas.”
On the decision to keep using Griezmann for 30 minutes or less in each game, Simeone said: “I have been very clear day by day. I have already explained the same thing several times and I will not repeat it again.”
In a recent interview, Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo stated that he had not passed any instructions to Simeone about regulating Griezmann’s minute.
When asked about the club supremo’s statements, the manager replied: “If the president says so. Where a captain rules, the sailor has no sway.”
The manager also spoke highly of Mario Hermoso, showering praise for how he had turned things around at the Metropolitano after a difficult first season.
“He has already shown his qualities after the first season when he didn’t play much. In the La Liga triumph in his second season, he was very important. Last year he had competition from Reinildo, but he continues to work very well,” Simeone said.
“We are going to need everyone because the team needs the energy to give people what they want to see.”
Fans were unhappy with some substitutions and tactical decisions made by Simeone in the game against Porto. In particular, they had whistled when Joao Felix had been taken off for Angel Correa.
Talking about the atmosphere in the stands, the Atletico Madrid boss said: “I have everything very clear because I have been at Atletico for a long time and I know everything that happens.
“What we have to do is entertain people and get them hooked. It depends on us. After so many years at the club, it’s all pretty clear to me.”
Source: MARCA
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.
