Atletico Madrid News
Simeone talks Griezmann, Morata, Carrasco, injuries after Club Brugge 2-0 Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid fell to a tame 2-0 defeat at the hands of Club Brugge on Tuesday night at the Jan Breydel stadium. Los Blancos were the better side for most of the opening spell but clinical finishing and well worked goals from Kamal Sowah and Ferran Jutgla helped the Belgian side pick up three points.
Los Rojiblancos are currently at the bottom of Group B with three points and a goal difference of -3. For the Spanish outfit to have any chance at qualifying, they will have to win all their remaining games in what will require a herculean effort.
Diego Simeone spoke to the press after his team’s defeat and provided a detailed analysis of his team’s performance. Here are the snippets from his presser.
On his team’s performance: “I expected the enthusiasm of a team that was doing well in the Champions League. We didn’t take advantage of the chances. In the second half, it seemed the other way around. The forcefulness allows you to accommodate the game or not.”
On the injuries to Jose Gimenez, Marcos Llorente and Nahuel Molina: “The doctors will give better information about the injured, hopefully, it will be as minor as possible for the three of them.”
On their situation in the group: “They have done a good offensive action, but it is clear that we have to improve in that aspect. The good thing is that we depend on us, but you have to correct as quickly as possible because this competition does not allow you to make mistakes.”
On the positive first half: “We lack forcefulness. That gives us the possibility of carrying on with games. The first half was well managed, with the idea we wanted. First Carrasco had it, then Morata, but the goalkeeper also played. But the first time he they had appeared the goal”.
On the underwhelming second half: “In the second half it started with what Oblak served very well. The team insisted, the best of them is the goalkeeper. We have the feeling that we lacked forcefulness. We have to generate so that the good energy ends in a goal.”
On Antoine Griezmann: “We understood that Griezmann had to start today and we made him play from the start”.
On the missed penalty: “If the penalty could change the situation? Well, and Morata’s move, Carrasco’s. A goal always suits you and creates another space for you.”
On the positive takeaways: “They are always finals. We are left with a lot of positive things that the team had, many goal situations, pushing despite the difficulties, missing a penalty and continuing push.”
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.
