Former Atletico Madrid -midfielder Saul Niguez has thrown a few feathers under his exit from the club, after he joined Flamengo in Brazil. From fan favorite to annual outcast, Saul lived the highlights and the lows in the Metropolitano, so that the club had a permanent deal for the first time at the age of 30.
Saul was asked about the large editions of Atletico in the last two summers, with their total expenditure on more than € 300 million during the two years. After the disintegration of three games in fast follow -up last year, the question this year is again whether Atletico can compete with the Big Two for the title, but Saul noted that Los Rojiblancos 'no longer apologizing' not to do this.
After the 1-0 defeat of Atletico against Porto in their pre-season opener, Captain Koke Resurreccion was asked about Saul's comments. The couple was tipped to dominate together in La Liga for many years in one phase.
“That is his thinking. It is clear that the club has grown a lot and players come in at the top level. We all want to fight and we fight every year to win big things,” said Koke Cada Cope, who held his tongue.
More generally speaking for the preparation of Atletico on the new campaign, Koke was not concerned about their defeat in the Dragao.
“Of course it is still lacking in rhythm. We have had two weeks of a very intense and hard work, but that should not be an excuse. It is the reality of the case,” he continued.
“We have to look at the things we need to improve and also reinforce the things that we do well. Young people have been given themselves with great enthusiasm with the team, and we will face the season with great enthusiasm.”
Los Rojiblancos starts their title chase against Espanyol on Sunday, August 17 at 9:30 PM. Several of their new recruits have expressed trophy ambitions, with President Enrique Cerezo noticed that he felt that they had the team for it. As always, the pressure will fall at the door of Diego Simeone to deliver, with a number of additions to fit in the side for a second summer run.