The Fall of Atlético Madrid: A Tale of Decline
The Atleti has already lost the league title. It took barely six days—between the harakiri committed by Simeone against Espanyol and the exhibition of impotence against Elche. This record for squandering a season is unsettling. It’s absurd to write off a team after just two matches, especially one that has overhauled half its starting lineup and, I want to believe, its playing style. However, what has truly extinguished the renewed hope among fans is their increasingly shorter patience. With good reason.
Decline Since the Title
Since winning the title in 2021, the decline of Atleti has been unstoppable. Gradually, but at a consistent pace—much like that friend whose baldness sneaks up on you until you haven’t seen him for months—the team has distanced itself not only from Barça and Madrid but also from its own past. Once a formidable competitor, the team has seen its status eroded, largely due to the same coach, Cholo Simeone, who formerly led them to glory.
The primary culprit in this unraveling has been the club itself. Time and again, they have allowed the squad to age and decay, focusing solely on a third-place finish as their ambition. In this suffocating league under Tebas, even a geriatric squad, like last season’s, could suffice. However, this summer, the club has finally recognized the looming threat (that Athletic side featuring Nico and Sancet, who would be among Atleti’s top three players) and invested in fresh talent and youth.
New Signings and the Need for Improvement
Acquiring players like Baena, Cardoso, and Almada marks a real leap in quality, while Hancko brings professionalism. Yet, after years of neglect, the signings still fall short of what is necessary. Where is the replacement for De Paul or the competition for Giuliano Simeone? This deficiency raises the question of Simeone’s ability to adapt to the changing landscape of football.
Cholo’s legendary status complicates the situation, making objective analysis nearly impossible. For die-hard fans, demanding more from him feels like a betrayal, akin to siding with Madrid. On the other hand, critics argue that continuing to trust a coach who has brought so much joy is misguided, leading to complacency. The sensible Atlético fan finds themselves caught in a whirlwind of conflicting opinions—a frustrating scenario. What is needed is a fair assessment.
Can Simeone Adapt?
Simeone has not suddenly become a bad coach. However, the game has progressed at a pace he struggles to match. This phenomenon has historical precedents; many great coaches have faced similar challenges. Guardiola adapted seamlessly upon arriving in England, while Mourinho has not managed the transition as effectively, now plying his trade in Turkey.
After years with a squad that feels archaic, Cholo deserves the chance to prove whether he can return to elite status and finally step into the current decade with a modern roster—not perfect, but contemporary. This new lineup has the potential. However, it has only a year to produce results; otherwise, excuses will no longer suffice. Blame cannot always rest on external factors.