Atleti out to win over wavering fans
Simeone keen to ‘turn whistles into applause’ against Bilbao, Koke says results will come soon
>> MADRID: Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid are aiming to turn jeers into cheers today against Athletic Bilbao after three consecutive La Liga draws.
Atletico were touted as title contenders after a revamp that saw them bring in more than €300 million worth of talent during the close season, including record signing Joao Felix.
Renan Lodi, Kieran Trippier, Mario Hermoso, Marcos Llorente and others arrived at the Wanda Metropolitano and a 7-3 humiliation of bitter rivals Real Madrid in a pre-season friendly promised much.
However, despite a solid start, Atletico lost steam and by the time they faced Real again in September, they could only share a frustrating 0-0 draw.
That was followed by another goalless tie at Real Valladolid and then a 1-1 home draw with Valencia last weekend, which left fans frustrated.
Atletico captain Koke has been one of those who has born the brunt of supporters angst.
The midfielder was whistled off by some in the 1-0 home win over Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Tuesday.
His replacement Alvaro Morata scored a late winner to help Atletico triumph but it was another worrying evening for the Rojiblancos, who looked blunt without injured forward Felix.
“People have their opinions and you have to respect that,” said Koke.
“I just want to keep working, to help the team to move forward. I respect what people think of me.
We all work to get results and they’ll come soon.”
Koke said at the start of the campaign that he had never been more excited about a season beginning but it has proven difficult for him and Atletico so far.
Coach Simeone said dealing with criticism was part of the game and he is hoping the team can soon win over wavering fans.
“It’s football,” said Simeone. “When Koke leaves they will thank him for what he’s done for Atletico.
“People are spontaneous, we have to try and turn the whistles into applause.”
With the Clasico between league leaders Barcelona and second place Real Madrid postponed until December, fifth-place Atletico can pull level with the Catalans on 19 points if they beat Athletic.
“People on the outside say we are going through a bad time,” said Morata.
“But in La Liga we are three points off the top and in the Champions League we have seven points from three games. If this is a bad time, I wish all the bad times were like this.”
The visitors are looking for what would be their first win in five matches and will try to take advantage of Atletico’s troubles in defence.
Elsewhere Granada, third, could become surprise leaders if they beat Real Betis tomorrow. REUTERS
FIXTURES
(kick-offs Thai time)
Today Leganes v Mallorca (9pm), Real Valladolid v Eibar (11.30pm), Atletico Madrid v Athletic Bilbao (2am, Sun)
Tomorrow
Celta Vigo v Real Sociedad (6pm), Granada v Real Betis (8pm), Levante v Espanyol (10pm), Sevilla v Getafe (00.30am, Mon), Osasuna v Valencia (3am, Mon)