Atletico Madrid crisis rises up

CAIRO – 3 November 2017: Near six years on the bench of Atlético Madrid, the 'Cholo' Diego Simeone is going through one of the hardest phases of his career.

The ‘Rojiblanco’ team, Atletico`s nickname, already has a foot and a half outside the Champions League due to last disappointing results, especially after the two draws against Qarabag, which have unleashed Atletico’s biggest crisis.

Atletico wasted 10 points in the Spanish League and another nine in the Champions League ending matches with draws and one loss in two leagues that they usually compete in.

Atlético has lost its identity. The team does not pressure the opponent`s back line anymore, when Simeone had always been known for his defensive coaching philosophy. The team does not defend the way it used in previous years; Simeone is losing control and cannot seem to regain a grip on his philosophy.

Vitolo and Diego Costa were signed to begin January since FIFA’s punishment prohibited the team from allowing new players to participate. However, with the flow of matches expected in the next period, even the two new players will not be able to compensate for the upcoming difficult season.

It is expected that Fernando Torres, a symbol for Atletico Madrid, will be ruled out next January.

The feeling pervading in the Wanda Metropolitana stadium is painful and the first cries of criticism came from Ateltico Madrid’s fans after the disappointing draw against Qarabag. Will Diego Costa and Vitolo be enough to fix the mess? It seems not.

"The Europa League is crap," said Gabi; captain of the Capital club and one of the heavyweight trusted players in the dressing room, after the last European disappointment.

It would be a sports blow to the club and a crisis to the team's economic situation, possibly lagging more than €25 million, if Atlético fail to qualify for the Champions League,