Simeone opens the door to a debut for Fernando Torres

The weekend defeats of Real Madrid and Barcelona have put Atlético back in the fight for the league title and the week for Simeone is an exciting one. On Wednesday they play their Copa del Rey clash against Madrid and on Sunday they travel to the Camp Nou to face Barça in the league. The dilemma is which of the two games is most important, the fight for the cup or the three points against Barcelona, which would also leave a deep wound in the Catalans.

‘Cholo’ Simeone is pondering how to approach both and in training on Monday he rested Mandzukic, Arda, Tiago and Siqueira. It is not too logical to rest players 48 hours before a match of such importance and it seems like the first three of those names will be saved for the league clash. Siqueira could play on Wednesday because Ansaldi is injured.

That opens the door for Fernando Torres. It seems unlikely that ‘El Niño’ can play from the start given that he is not currently at the same level as his team-mates, but he could be included in the squad and could feature as a substitute.

The message from the coaching tea mis clear: there is no need to force Torres into action seen as there is still half of the season top lay. Raúl García, Griezmann, Koke and Raul Jimenez could all form part of the attack against Madrid, with Torres on the bench. ‘El Niño’ will have to progress slowly to get into his best possible shape and get more minutes along the way. Barça, Real Madrid (cup), Granada, Rayo…Atleti’s next opponents.

Read More

"I’ll give everything I’ve got and more for Atlético" - Torres

Fernando Torres gave an interview with Atlético’s web page on Monday in which he spoke candidly about his return to the Calderón.

Atlético: “It’s always been about Atlético for me. I’m back home after seven and a half years away. It’s been a long wait and I have been hoping that one day, I would be able to return. Right now it feels a bit strange to be here again – I cannot really believe it’s really happening”.

Warm welcome home: “I expected something like that but now I don’t really know what more to expect from the fans. They have chanted my name – even when I was on the opposing side in the Champions League and European Super Cup… they never fail to surprise me. It’s quite emotional when you are on the opposing team yet they still treat you like one of your own; I’ve been fortunate enough to experience that as an Atlético player too. For all the affection I’ve received, I feel even more responsibility but that is a nice pressure to have on you”.

Leaving back in 2007: “As I said on the day I left, it was a very difficult moment for the club in many ways – on a sporting level, economically, socially… thankfully though, time has proved it was the right decision as it gave both us of time to grow and develop. The club has been able to construct a team – with the emphasis on what it means to play in a team and that is what has brought them success. For me, I embarked on an adventure which was also satisfying but at the same time, it always felt that something was missing. This reunion is like bringing it all full circle – right from when I started out playing here as a 10 year old. Now I just want to enjoy the experience of being back, to help my team mates and I hope then can help me to understand the reasons behind the successes they have enjoyed and pass on their enthusiasm, determination and winning spirit. Even though Atleti is and will always be Atleti, this is a different club to the one I left so in a way, I will need to be taught the ropes again. It might seem that someone like me knows the club and how it works inside out but things have changed – back then, all I wanted was to enjoy playing”,

The fans: “What can I say? They know that this is the place where I started out, I played in the youth teams, I would go to the games every Sunday just like they do until I made my first team debut when I was 17. I was lucky enough to help the team out on the field of play; they only thing I can promise them is the same as I have always done. I will give everything and more to defend the Atleti shirt because that’s how I feel, and I think they know that”.

Read More

Messi defects, Zubizarreta out and Puyol also leaves

There was a storm brewing around the Camp Nou. Yesterday, Monday, the Twelfth Night, a day reserved for the joy of children who had the chance to see their idols in the flesh (they may be in the doldrums, but who is going to argue with a child on the Twelfth Night?). Yesterday, the storm developed. And it started a chain reaction of unpredictable consequences that has led to Barçelona being fragile – something unthinkable only a few months ago. The Titanic.

The sad day was extended for Barça after the disastrous match at Anoeta. At the end of the day the outcome of the match seemed less severe. Less so than the explanations at the end of it from Luis Enrique and his men. Some of the statements were embarrassing, assuring again that all was well in the camp. That they deserved to win and the ball just would not go into the back of the net.

The drama itself began when 11,300 fans waited to see their idols in the Mini Stadium in the traditional open training session. Most were children, who watched dumbfounded as Messi did not turn up.

Shortly after the mystery was unveiled. A medical statement from Barcelona explained that the Argentine star did not attend because he was suffering from an upset stomach. An upset stomach that came about with the coach on duty. Or if you prefer, an upset stomach that was defined by Xavi Hernández three days ago in a programme on BTV “an excuse for when something else is going on.”

Execution. The cabinet crisis consists of the president, communications director, director of Institutional Relations and a couple of directors, who took the decision to strike down, without delay, on sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta.

The announcement was made at four in the afternoon in a statement in which the president himself, not the board, took responsibility for the termination.

The news took everyone by surprise, but perhaps Zubizarreta a little less. Just 24 hours earlier there was a hint where the storm might have been heading. After the match in Anoeta he said that when the Court of Arbitration for Sport looked into the transfer irregularities, Bartomeu was the man at the top. His words did not sit very well.

Zubizarreta's dismissal was expected, but in the extraordinary board meeting scheduled for next Wednesday, not before. A board meeting, which still retains plenty of interest. It will also decide the dismissal of Albert Narcís Agustí and Julia, the two closest collaborators to Zubi and it is possible that an ultimatum may be put on the table for Luis Enrique and Eusebio, respectively.

Before this meeting, Bartomeu is expected to give explanations and announce the replacement of Zubi. Raul Sanllehí, director of football, is one of the names linked with the role.

The surprises did not end there. An hour later, Carles Puyol announced he was leaving the club. The storm continues to hover around the Camp Nou.

Read More

Ancelotti confirms Bale and Navas as cup starters

Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that one of the players singled out following the defeat at Valencia, Gareth Bale, will start on Wednesday night against Atlético Madrid at the Vicente Calderón (“clearly he’s going to play”). He also defended the Welshman in light of the accusations that he is selfish: “I saw the replay and it was not easy to pass the ball. It was very complicated. He had no room and he tried to shoot. There is no need to talk about Bale. He knows very well when he needs to pass but he took the right decisión in Valencia.”

The Italian also confirmed that goalkeeper Keylor Navas will start in all the Copa del Rey matches this season and said there would be changes to the team.Arbeloa, Khedira, Coentrao and Varane could all be starting options.

Goalkeepers: Casillas, Keylor Navas and Pacheco.

Defenders: Ramos, Pepe, Varane, Carvajal, Arbeloa, Coentrão, Marcelo and Nacho.

Midfielders: Kroos, Khedira, Illarra, Isco, James, Bale and Medrán.

Forwards: Ronaldo, Benzema, Jesé and Chicharito.

Read More

Puyol quits Barça after Zubizarreta sackin

Carles Puyol has announced that he has brought his time at Barcelona, where he worked as the assistant director of football, to an end. His announcement came just half an hour after the sacking of Andoni Zubizarreta.

The former Barça captain posted a statement on Facebook expressing his gratitude for the way he has been treated by all areas of the club and the fans.

Puyol's statement read as follows:

In this statement I wish to announce that I have decided to step down from my post at FC Barcelona.

These three and a half months have given me the opportunity to see the other side of the club. I have learned a lot and I am very grateful, but I would like to experience other things from a different perspective and from elsewhere. I want to grow both personally and professionally so that, in the future, I can hopefully return home and give back everything you have given me during these unforgettable years.

I remain enormously grateful to the employees, directors, the president and the sporting department for helping me and believing in me during this transitional period, which has been anything but easy. But above all, to the fans - as a player I always felt they were really behind me, and even more so since my retirement.

I would like to have bid farewell to everyone before hanging up my boots, but you do not get everything you wish for in life.

I have been and continue to be extremely fortunate to feel such great affection, and can only say thank you and that you will always be in my heart.

Long live Barça!

 

Read More

Falcao earns point for lacklustre United

Two goals from corner kicks saw Stoke and United share the points in the first Premier League game of the New Year.

Radamel Falcao's first half equaliser cancelled out Shawcross's opener to salvage a point from the Red Devils' visit to Stoke City's Britannia Stadium. Former Barcelona man Bojan missed the game through injury.

The home side came out fighting intent on taking all three points, but with De Gea beaten, Crouch's header, also from a corner kick, hit the upright to save United's blushes.

Stoke and United did not disappoint in an entertaining end-to-end game which was decided with two goals from corner kicks.

Stoke started the strongest and 'Potters' captain, Ryan Shawcross found the net just two minutes into the game when the United defence failed to mark him correctly.

Phil Jones failed to pick Shawcross up during a corner kick and the Potters' defender, alone in the six-yard box, simply tapped the ball home to the shock of United's defence.

In the 26th minute, Mame Biram Diouf missed a good chance to extend the home side's lead, only for United to break in an isolated attack which led to Falcao's equaliser, also from a corner.

There was controversy in the 63rd minute when Peter Crouch's header from inside the area hit Chris Smalling's hand; a clear-cut penalty which the referee chose not to give.

Read More

Gerrard headed Stateside

After the announcement earlier in the week that Steven Gerrard will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season, it has now been confirmed that the USA will be his next destination.

MLS big boys LA Galaxy look to be in pole position to snap up the veteran midfielder, who could follow in the footsteps of David Beckham by seeing out his career in the City of Angels.

The California club has reportedly already offered Gerrard a two-year contract. Following the retirement of Landon Donovan, the Galaxy are on the hunt for a marquee name to replace him and the Liverpudlian would fit the bill, potentially linking up with former Pool teammate Robbie Keane.

Gerrard has also been linked with Toronto FC and the New York Red Bulls, who recently lost a star of their own (Thierry Henry) to retirement, but the smart money is on the former England captain heading to LA.

Read More