After its second part of the very disappointing season, even distressing with the group elimination of the Club World Cup, Atlético de Madrid is not better. Despite the XXL recruitment carried out during the summer, the training of Diego Simeone began with a defeat on the field of Espanyol (2-1) then a zero at home against the promoted Elche (1-1), last Saturday. Each time with Antoine Griezmann on the sidelines at the kick -off.
The “cholo” men must absolutely launch their season on the third day of Liga and a trip to Alavés, before the international window. “Grizi” will not be relaunched in the starting eleven after his two entries in the 68th minute. During the first match, the Espanyol overturned the game at the end and, last weekend, the former French international failed to win his team while Rafa Mir (15th) responded to Alexander Sorho (8th).
By extending until 2027 (with the possibility of leaving next year), Griezmann was informed of his new role of lining for the 2025-2026 season. It must be said that his previous season was not good. Atléti's issue 7, the top scorer in the history of the Colchoneros, really weighed on its team by scoring only three goals from February (counting its production at the World Cup in the United States).
No room for Griezmann in 4-4-2
Simeone continues to work an offensive duo made up of Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorho, with Giuliano Simeone and Thiago Almada on the sides of a 4-4-2, in the absence of Alex Baena, victim of a muscular injury. This was worked during training on Tuesday and Thursday. Griezmann replaced Baena then Almada on the first two matches. Pablo Barrios and the recruit Johnny Cardoso (arrived from Betis against 24 million euros) for the moment the midfield of Atlético.
In defense, Robin the Normand formed the central hinge with the recruit David Hancko (bought 30 million in Feyenoord) on Tuesday and then with his compatriot Clément Lenglet on Thursday, Hancko being tried on the left of the rearguard in place of Matteo Ruggeri (bought 17 million at Atalanta). Atlético will find its lair of the Metropolitano Stadium for a shock against Villarreal, Sunday September 14.
