Atypical match off the field, but common this season on that for Simeone’s team. The southern end of the Metropolitano seemed devoid of soul due to the punishment for the derby incidents, while the turf once again gave off the aroma of a divided team whose engine room has yet to be oiled.
Sorloth and Griezmann, accompanied by the performances of Witsel and Giuliano, returned against Leganés to secure third place in the championship. “I asked them during the break to continue on the same path. We controlled the match, but without doing any damage in the first half. They defended well, like us against Real Sociedad. In the second half there were fewer counter-attacks and the changes gave us the vitamin and energy we need in the rival area. Everyone behaved very well, especially Giuliano. In general, I leave with the satisfaction of having solved a complex scenario,” admitted Simeone.
A victory whose opportunity cost was borne by Lenglet and Barrios, both with unease. It seems more serious on the French side, who had to be replaced. The young player finished the match, but left the stadium with gestures of frustration. “Let’s wait and see what the medical tests say. Barrios has youth, speed, intention, recovery… he is a very complete player who does us very well,” adds the Argentine coach.
The vitamin Simeone mentions is named after him. Giuliano, his son, revolutionized the game from the bench. He participated in the first goal and provided an assist on the second. “It’s your job, it’s what you have to do. It’s growing. He is hungry and when a player has that… For example Galán. He participated little, but the work paid off in the end. Javi also did a very good job in his sector. These kinds of situations make me happy. “The campaign always ends up giving back what the work deserves.”
Griezmann, recently retired from his national team, faced his first break in a long time without traveling. “He was able to rest, it’s good to have a little rest like Griezmann had last weekend. He was able to be with the team to identify things we need to improve. Today we did a lot more good things than others to improve ourselves. It’s decisive. “When everything is going well, the team plays games.”
During the match against Leganés, the sanction of partial closure of the Metropolitano was applied, coinciding with the celebration of Atlético Supporters Club Day. “It is a shame that among these 5,000 disappeared by six, seven or eight. On the other hand, the stadium is magnificent. People realized we needed a boost. They were close. “When we are all together again, we will be stronger.”
Sorloht is not a ball virtuoso nor does he have a surefire goal scorer, but he intelligently interpreted what his team expected of him. “He realized he had the whole match ahead of him and entered that state where you feel stronger. Enthusiasm is a fundamental element of a footballer. He fulfilled what we expected of him. Hold on with your back and be a good scorer. “He scored two and had more chances, that says a lot about the way the team attacked.”
