Miranda admits Atletico frailties

Miranda has admitted that Atletico Madrid must shore up their leaky defence if they are to enjoy another successful season.

Los Rojiblancos were crowned La Liga champions in 2013-14 but lost Thibaut Courtois and Filipe Luis over the summer and have seemingly paid the price for their departures, with five goals conceded in their last two matches.

Miranda is aware that the situation isn’t ideal, given their desire to challenge on all three fronts, but insists work is being done to address their frailties at the back.

“It isn’t normal to concede five goals [in two matches] but we are working hard to correct what we have done wrong in these two games, and it probably won’t happen again,” the 30-year-old said at a Press conference.

“Some important players have left the club, and it is normal that when the software on the computer has changed, it takes time for [the computer] to react.

“We have played some ​​great games against [Real] Madrid, and ones not so good like against Eibar. It was always going to happen early in the season, but in two or three matches’ time, we will start winning again.

“Whether it is [Miguel] Moya or [Jan] Oblak in goal, we will certainly help them.”

Atleti fans made their discontent heard in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Celta Vigo when Antoine Griezmann was replaced by Raul Garcia, while new striker Raul Jimenez was also poorly received.

However, Miranda, along with his centre-back partner Diego Godin, were on the score sheet at the weekend, and he urged the club’s supporters to keep the faith in the face of adversity.

“It’s normal that the fans can be sometimes unhappy, but we are sure that everything we do is for the good of the team,” he continued.

“The fans sometimes discuss our actions, so we must always have a winning mentality. The affection of the fans is gained by working hard and well.

“When we defend, we all defend. When we need to go forward, we all try to help out, so we are all working to make for a stronger team. Give [Jimenez] time.”

Diego Simeone’s side next play Almeria on Wednesday.

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