Atletico Madrid’s manager, Diego Simeone, stresses the importance of ‘evolving’ to stay competitive in La Liga. The team has made key signings and is looking to adapt its style of play to challenge rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona for the title.
Diego Simeone, the long-serving manager of Atletico Madrid, has emphasized the need for his team to continuously "evolve" if they are to remain serious contenders for the La Liga title. With the new season on the horizon, Simeone is acutely aware of the challenges posed by their rivals, Real Madrid and Barcelona, and the importance of adapting to stay competitive.
Atletico Madrid last tasted La Liga glory in 2021 and finished third last season. Despite securing a respectable third-place finish, they ended the campaign eight points adrift of their city rivals, Real Madrid, who finished as runners-up to champions Barcelona. This gap has prompted a proactive approach in the transfer market, with several new faces brought in to bolster the squad.
The club has been active during the transfer window, acquiring players to strengthen various positions within the team. Among the notable additions are Alex Baena, David Hancko, Johnny Cardozo, and Thiago Almada. These signings reflect Simeone's intent to inject fresh talent and tactical flexibility into the squad.
As Atletico Madrid prepare for their La Liga opener against Espanyol, Simeone is embarking on his 15th consecutive season managing the club. This impressive tenure places him among the most enduring coaches in La Liga history, a feat surpassed by only a handful of legendary figures such as Ferdinand Daucík (18 seasons), Javier Irureta (17 seasons), Miguel Munoz, and Jose Luis Mendilibar (both 16 seasons).
Simeone acknowledges that maintaining a competitive edge requires constant adaptation. He stated, "You always have to evolve. The team must continue to grow at the same pace as the club." This sentiment underscores his commitment to not only sustain Atletico Madrid's current level but also to elevate them to new heights.
The Argentine coach believes that the quality of his players is undeniable. However, he insists that their potential must be realized on the pitch. "The players are good, but they will have to prove it on the pitch. Then, we will be where we deserve to be," Simeone asserted, emphasizing the importance of performance and results.
While hoping for a swift integration of the new signings, Simeone has hinted at the possibility of tweaking Atletico Madrid's traditional style of play. This flexibility is aimed at maximizing the strengths of the new players and ensuring a cohesive team dynamic. In particular, he has suggested that Alex Baena, formerly a winger for Villarreal, could be deployed as a second striker, indicating a potential shift in attacking strategy.
"Changes are always good as long as they respond to what is needed," Simeone explained. "I don’t know if the word is change, I would say improve." This pragmatic approach highlights his willingness to adapt and refine the team's approach based on the available resources and tactical requirements.
Espanyol, Atletico Madrid's first opponent of the season, narrowly escaped relegation last season. They secured their top-flight status on the final day with a 2-0 victory over Las Palmas. However, a previous run of five consecutive defeats had plunged them into a precarious position. Coach Manolo Gonzalez will be determined to guide them to a more comfortable finish this season.
Ahead of the match, Simeone highlighted key players to watch from both sides, singling out Javi Puado from Espanyol and Alexander Sorloth from Atletico Madrid. Puado's goal-scoring record for Espanyol makes him a significant threat. Sorloth's impressive form as a substitute last season underscores his ability to impact the game even from the bench.
Atletico Madrid, historically, have a strong record in their opening La Liga matches. They have not lost their first game of the season since 2009-10. In contrast, Espanyol's last opening-day victory dates back to 2015-16. This historical context favors Atletico Madrid.
Furthermore, Atletico Madrid are currently enjoying an eight-game unbeaten run against Espanyol in La Liga. This head-to-head record provides Simeone's team with an additional psychological advantage. With the odds stacked in their favor, Atletico Madrid will be keen to start the new season on a positive note and demonstrate their title credentials.
Simeone has been known to bring out the best in his players. The passion for the game and dedication have helped him and his team succeed over the last decade. With all the new players, Simeone knows that the team needs to evolve and adapt in order to compete with the best of La Liga.