Now the eternal number three in La Liga has begun to understand their manager for many years, Diego Simeone, no longer leads with the same intensity and attention that has made him one of the greats in European football.
Seen with Norwegian (and with the sensible) eyes, we see striker Alexander Sørloth’s capacity being underutilized and now there is information from the Spanish capital that it applies to more. Sørloth is still recovering from injury and has not been able to contribute in the start of the season. – Normally in three games he would contribute with 2 to 3 goals.
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The Argentine coach struggles to create chemistry with the team at the start of the season.
Diego Simeone is starting to be questioned as Atlético Madrid manager after the 3-0 loss to Athletic Club and a La Liga start with only seven points out of a possible twelve. The Argentine is also in the final year of his contract – the deal expires on June 30, 2027 – and the demands on the team’s performance are increasing with each passing game.
The result at San Mamés has created increased pressure after four league rounds. Atlético had collected seven points before the visit to Bilbao, but two quick goals just after half-time turned the game completely in the hosts’ favour, before Oihan Sancet made it 3-0.
The questions asked after Atlético’s slump
The loss cannot be explained by the goal numbers alone. Cholo Simeone’s team had 62 percent possession, but were unable to convert control into chances that could change the game when Athletic took the lead.
The coach himself took on some of the responsibility after the game. Simeone admitted that the coaching staff failed to prepare the team well enough for the start of the second half – the exact period when Athletic scored their first two goals.
The poor performance has led to criticism of the coach. Mati Prats has pointed directly to Simeone as the one who has to find the solution – now that the transfer window has closed and the noise around names like Julián Álvarez has subsided.
The situation is exacerbated by the contractual conditions. The coach, who joined the club in December 2011, signed his last extension until 2027 – making this season a crucial time for his future after over a decade on the sidelines.
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Away problems reappear
One of the things Atlético needs to correct is the away record. The defeat in Bilbao once again exposed challenges that also marked last season – especially when the team loses control in games away from the Metropolitano.
The LaLiga start also leaves little room for error. After four rounds, Atlético are five points behind FC Barcelona, who have won all their games, and have already dropped points in two meetings – despite the season goal being to fight at the top.
The context does not make the road ahead any easier. Simeone has had to deal with attacking problems due to the absence of Jonathan David and Alexander Sorloth, while Julián Álvarez was back against Athletic after being out of the team.
The match schedule increases the pressure
The upcoming matches will demonstrate the team’s ability to respond. The schedule includes an away game against Real Sociedad at Anoeta, followed by a Champions League clash with Liverpool at Anfield – two away games that require immediate improvement compared to what was shown at San Mamés.
Fans are currently backing the coach, but the results will weigh heavily when this is his last year of contract in Spain. Cholo Simeone will need to improve his away play and pick up points in the coming rounds – before the debate over his future moves from external criticism to an internal decision at Atlético Madrid.
Barcelona have a full pot in La Liga, while Atlético Madrid see an ever-growing gap as a car very difficult to close.
