Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has admitted that his side are not going through a good moment, in spite of their inspiring win over Inter in midweek. Los Rojiblancos were beaten at home in La Liga for the first time in over a year by Barcelona on Sunday, but have now suffered two home losses in as many months.
After the match, Simeone felt that Atletico had not hit the same heights in La Liga since winning the league in 2024.
“After winning La Liga, in subsequent years, it has been difficult for us. Competing in three tournaments is not easy. We have to improve because others also improve. We are in that process, we are going to do it and we hope it can be seen.”
It leaves Los Rojiblancos outside of the top four, with Athletic Club a point ahead of them.
“The team clearly knows what the primary objective is year after year,” Simeone told MD, under no illusions that Champions League qualification is a necessity.
He would not be drawn exactly on what they needed to improve.
“We have to talk about that internally with the club but we do have to improve, without a doubt.”
📊 For the first time since Diego Simeone became coach of Atlético, the team concedes three goals at home against Barcelona in a La Liga match.
[via @LaLigaenDirecto] pic.twitter.com/1sfezquSQG
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) March 17, 2024
But later admitted that they were not as accurate in front of goal as their opponents.
“Football is linked to effectiveness. The other day we had one from Lino that the goalkeeper saved, they had another and Oblak saved it… Effectiveness gives you the possibility of being more competitive. Today we are a little weaker than a month ago. The Bilbao game at home, which was where this not-so-good moment began.”
Having sealed qualification for the quarter-finals of the Champions League and all-but-made the Club World Cup in 2025, losing out on a top four place would be a major upset for Los Rojiblancos, but also a major blow financially. Los Leones travel to the Metropolitano in the final weekend of April in what is shaping up to be a decisive clash in the race for the top four next season.
