Diego Simeone Refuses To Rule Out Joao Felix’s Exit – Report
Written by Patrick Echatah
Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone has refused to rule out Joao Felix leaving Atlético Madrid in the January transfer window.
LATEST POSTS
- Luc Eymael Snubs Senegal, Backs Morocco For AFCON Crown
- Copa del Rey: Key Figures Behind Barcelona’s Victory Over Racing Santander
- Magpies Plotting Aggressive January Bid To Secure Top Target
- EPL: Chelsea’s Stadium Ambitions Hit £10bn Roadblock
- Turbo Timo In America? Werner Linked With Blockbuster MLS Move
More Details
The 22-year-old joined from Benfica in 2019 for €126 million, the second highest amount ever paid for a teenager, but has struggled to secure a regular position in Simeone’s starting lineup since then.
“I always understand everything, I’m open to everything,” Simeone said in a news conference on Friday when asked if he would understand Joao Felix asking to depart.
“The most important thing is the team. Joao is an important piece of our team.”
The Portugal forward has started just three LaLiga games for Atletico this season, but impressed as a second-half substitute in their 2-0 derby defeat to Real Madrid last Sunday.
“He has to repeat performances like the one he gave the other day at the Bernabeu,” Simeone said.
“He played 30-35 minutes and showed all the talent he has. Let’s hope he repeats it, because that’s the player we need.”
Joao Felix has had a limited role this season. He had ankle surgery after competing in the European Championships last summer, returned in September, and then developed a calf ailment last month.
The addition of Matheus Cunha and the return of Antoine Griezmann have added to the battle for positions in Atletico’s forward line.
“I’ve spoken a lot with him. I don’t have anything to explain to you about what needs to be worked on inside,” Simeone added.
“Seeing Joao for just a few minutes, you realise he’s a great player. He’s going through a situation of growth, we’ve seen it with Portugal and maybe here too. It’s about maturing and growing to find the consistency that football demands.”
Atletico Madrid travel to Sevilla on Saturday with the hosts — who are second behind leaders Real Madrid — five points and two places above them in the LaLiga table.
Read Also – Transformation Of Lives Through Sport: The Impact Of Sports On Charity
Meanwhile…
Spanish football federation held the draw for the Copa del Rey’s round of 32 on Friday. Unlike UEFA earlier this week, this draw went off smoothly, and it will see Atlético Madrid face local side Rayo Majadahonda on Jan. 6.
Atlético Madrid have suffered multiple domestic cup defeats since its last deep run in the competition. Following a semifinal elimination in 2017, Los Rojiblancos have been knocked out at the quarterfinal stage (Sevilla), the round of 16 (Girona), and the round of 32 (Cultural Leonesa and Cornellà).
With a league title push unlikely and considering the team’s inconsistency in the Champions League in recent seasons, the Copa and the Supercopa de España (which will also be held next month) arguably represent Atlético’s best shot at silverware in 2021/22.
(ESPN)
Do you have a story tip?
Kindly Email: keepup@bettitude.com
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube
About Author
