Back to the track
Last season meant the return to the top of Spanish football for Atletico after a whole decade, but many thought that they could have done better. Although they came in fourth which qualified them for the Champions League, many think that team's potential was far greater and that the play was below standard. Only thanks to a weak season of clubs like Valencia, Sevilla and Zaragoza who got relegated, did Atletico manage to win fourth place with such a weak play.
A lot of changes in the team
Desired spot in the Champions League qualifications didn't start off very well for Madrid side. Besides getting one of the strongest rivals possible, red-white showed very weak perofrmance in the first leg against German Schalke 04. A minimum defeat can be considered a success and if they wish to qualify for the Champions League, they will have to change many things in their play before the returning leg. In their intention to reinforce the team Atletic management was one of the most active in the summer transfer window. As it was expected they focused on reinforcing the insecure defesne line so very quality defenders arrived at Calderon like John Heitinga from Ajax and Ujfalusi form Fiorentina, and new Atletico keeper is Coupet, former French champion keeper and French international. The rooky in the team is a midfielder, Brazilian Paulo Asuncao who came from Porto. Attack was the better part of the team in the last season but nevertheless Atletico reinforced it with a Frenchman, Sinama-Pongolla who came from recreativo Huelva. Last few days the negotiations are intensified about bringing excellent Brazilian Diego from Werder Bremen, who could help the team claim their highest ambitions this season, Atletico are offering 16 million euros and Wereder are asking 25. It seems that they will meet at 20 million.
Not to make Atletico seem a asanctuary for anyone,many players who haven't seen their future in red-white jersey or the ones who club considered unable to help in achieving set goals, left the club. Abbiati, Eller, Mista, Ze Castro, Braulio, Roberto Jimenez, Cuellar and Falcon, are history for the club.
In
Paulo Assuncao (Porto), Florent Sinama-Pongolle (Recreativo), Tomas Ujfalusi (Fiorentina), John Heitanga (Ajax), Gregory Coupet (Lyon)
Out
Roberto Jimenez (Recreativo), Mario Ruyales (Sevilla B), Ze Castro (Deportivo), Mario Suarez (Mallorca), Mista (Deportivo), Braulio (Zaragoza), Ivan Cuellar (Sporting), Falcon (Celta), Jose Antonio Reyes (Benfica, loan)
Potential must be materialized
The upcoimng season will truly be the most serious test for Atletico as a club. The fans eager to see a trophy and good play won't settle anymore for a good game or two and a series of weak matches where they lose or barely win the outsiders. It seems that that the management is awarw that famous tolerane of Colchoneros fans is getting lower and one wants to hear about what could have happened but what must happen! A lot depends on the Champions League returning leg and Diego, who would make one of the most dangerous killer attacking tandems in Europe with Aguero and Forlan. Potential of this team is huge and Diego could be the missing link, midfielder – brains with excellent technique and swiftness that could inspire the rest of the attackers qualities. Coach Aguirre has experience and he is an intelligent expert who knwos how to create a good atmosphere in the team, so if they overcome the usual problems upon the championship start, Atletico can aim high this season, perhaps even for the title.
Our tip: Position in top 4
Odds 1.52
Bookmaker: PaddyPower
CL
CLQ
UEFA
RELEG
