Atlético Madrid should decide themselves up once more as they pack their luggage to journey again house sooner than most anticipated from the Membership World Cup, after being knocked out of the event within the group stage.
And for Atleti coach Diego Simeone, the most important motive for his crew lacking the spherical of 16 was clear: the referees.
Diego Simeone’s aspect had been eradicated regardless of a 1-0 victory over Brazil’s Botafogo of their closing Group B match on Monday, as they completed third in a really troublesome group, stage on six factors with Paris Saint-Germain and Botafogo however falling quick on purpose distinction.
The harm was largely inflicted in that opening 4-0 thrashing by PSG, a scoreline that will finally show deadly to their ambitions in FIFA’s revamped multi-million greenback showcase.
Reflecting on the marketing campaign, Simeone expressed satisfaction in his gamers’ efforts however lamented what he deemed poor officiating.
“Happy with the boys’ work. We gave completely every part we had. We received two out of three matches and even so, sadly we’re out,” he informed DAZN after the Botafogo win.
“With six factors, it wasn’t dangerous, however the match towards PSG condemned us, the place each refereeing determination all the time went towards us. As we speak’s sport additionally had a penalty determination overturned after a VAR evaluation. It is extra of the identical. We all know what we have to enhance, and this may assist us transfer ahead.”
Simeone’s males arrived in the US with excessive hopes, boasting a squad that included Argentinian ahead Julián Álvarez, former France captain Antoine Griezmann, and several other different worldwide names.
Nevertheless, their heavy loss to PSG and lacklustre performances general raised additional questions in regards to the crew’s route beneath their long-serving supervisor.
Griezmann was the standout performer towards Botafogo, scoring the decisive purpose and offering a uncommon spark for a aspect that has struggled to copy the defensive prowess seen in Simeone’s finest years, once they reached two Champions League finals.
“We will not concentrate on the referee. Generally we’re not at our greatest, and we should handle that,” Griezmann mentioned after the win over Botafogo.
Regardless of dominating possession, Atlético not often troubled Botafogo’s organised defence and wanted their goalkeeper Jan Oblak to work their magic towards their Brazilian rivals to keep away from a worst consequence.
The earlier defeat by PSG had already uncovered acquainted weaknesses, together with frail defending towards extensive gamers and a scarcity of creativity within the closing third — points which have plagued them throughout 4 consecutive trophy-less seasons.
Including to Atletico’s woes is the sight of bitter rivals Actual Madrid poised to advance in FIFA’s revamped event. With an low season of introspection forward, Atlético face mounting challenges to rebuild and reclaim their standing as contenders on all fronts.
Data from Reuters was used on this story.