Atletico Madrid have experienced a rough patch, losing four and drawing one of their last five outings across all competitions. However, manager Diego Simeone asserted on Tuesday that the LaLiga club is enjoying a solid season.
The team’s hopes in the LaLiga title race took a significant hit after a disappointing 4-2 defeat at home to Barcelona, followed by a frustrating 1-1 draw against relegation-threatened Espanyol on Saturday. This downturn has left Atletico nine points behind leaders Barcelona and six points adrift of second-placed Real Madrid, with just nine matches left to play.
Atletico will face Barcelona once again on Wednesday in the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final, with the tie finely balanced after they staged a dramatic comeback from two goals down to secure a thrilling 4-4 draw in the first leg.
“I’m sharing my perspective here; the team is having a very good season overall,” Simeone told the media. “We performed well in the Champions League, even though we were eliminated in the round of 16, and we’re maintaining a strong position in the league. We’re focused on taking it one match at a time.”
“We need to keep doing what we’ve always done, with enthusiasm, joy, and intensity—just as we did in our opening match against Malaga.”
When questioned about the goals conceded in prior clashes with Barcelona, the Argentine tactician responded: “It doesn’t strike me as unusual because the opponent maintains the same intensity throughout the match.”
“They’ll create scoring opportunities, as they play quite boldly, and it’s essential for us to navigate through the game’s critical moments while mitigating that potential.”
Defenders Cesar Azpilicueta, Reinildo Mandava, and Javi Serrano have returned to fitness and are available to take on Barcelona.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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