Amid a multitude of justifications for their recent performance, one statement from Antoine Griezmann struck a chord following Atletico Madrid’s exit from the Club World Cup.
“We need to reflect on our performances and acknowledge that there are times when we fall short of the required standard, and that’s something we must address,” remarked the seasoned French striker.
Griezmann’s solitary goal secured Atletico a 1-0 victory against Botafogo on Monday. However, the Brazilian outfit progressed to the last 16 of the Club World Cup on goal difference, leaving the Spaniards behind.
Atletico were left to mull over their misfortunes, echoing sentiments from earlier this season when they failed to secure any major silverware.
Their contentious exit from the Champions League in the last 16 against Real Madrid, due to the infamous “double-touch” penalty awarded to Julian Alvarez, had the team seething at officials, UEFA, and their long-time rivals.
This setback appeared to have a knock-on effect in LaLiga, where Atletico had initially held the lead at Christmas, while manager Diego Simeone insisted that their Copa del Rey semi-final loss to Barcelona was something the club had to come to terms with.
“We’re striving to improve and close the gap on the teams ahead of us, while also accepting our current position,” commented the Argentine coach.
Nevertheless, Atletico, who were crowned LaLiga champions in 2014 and 2021 and were runners-up in the Champions League in 2014 and 2016, find themselves distanced from the elite of European football at present.
Some players, such as Griezmann and goalkeeper Jan Oblak, recognise this reality, while others seem less aware.
“We will keep pressuring those at the top,” asserted Marcos Llorente following their group stage exit in the United States.
Atletico took issue with the officials over several penalty appeals that went unheeded during their victory against Botafogo in Pasadena.
“I’ve never experienced anything like it; quite frankly, I believe we should have been given two penalties,” voiced winger Giuliano Simeone, who is also the coach’s son.
“It feels like the decisions are consistently against us—especially in contentious situations, we have to contend with that.”
‘It Requires Effort’
Atletico’s dismal 4-0 defeat to Champions League victors Paris Saint-Germain significantly hampered their chances of progressing further and underscored the gap they must bridge to reach the pinnacle of the sport.
Simeone has been at the helm since 2011, and while he is often regarded as the club’s greatest manager, doubts have emerged about whether he can propel Atletico forward in recent times.
The last time they lifted a trophy was four years ago when they won LaLiga.
“I’m disappointed to be eliminated; we garnered six points from three matches, winning two,” Simeone reflected.
As has too often been the case recently, it was simply insufficient.
In certain circles of the Spanish media, former Atletico defender Filipe Luis, now the coach of Brazilian side Flamengo—who have advanced to the last 16—has been heralded as a prospective future manager for Atletico.
“It’s been a long season for them… let’s hope the next one is more successful,” commented retired Atletico legend Sergio Aguero, while some supporters are beginning to lose faith in the current team’s prospects.
Griezmann, who renewed his contract with Atletico at the beginning of the summer and ended an 18-match goal drought against Botafogo, believes that hard work is essential.
“It requires effort, and the issues are more deeply rooted within the team than with the referees,” he stated, as Atletico prepared for their journey home.
“We need to concentrate on our areas for improvement and what we must do to secure victories in these matches.”
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Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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