After the match time for Real Madrid-Atlético, Simeone made his fourth change, but surprised with the choice of the substituted player: João Félix. The Portuguese was also shocked and did not particularly like it. He ran off the field and, when he reached the stands, he could not hide his anger. “I understand the anger and that everyone wants to play the 90 minutes”Simeone explained, although João's displeasure is not the first of his footballers either. “You would have to ask the one who gets angry”added the technician, who began to accumulate the problem.
In the previous game, in Salzburg, it was a double change. Saúl and Luis Suárez left the field and no one hid their anger. A slap on a bottle, masks rejected … Only they know how pissed off their performance and how much with the decision of the coach. On that occasion, Cholo also excused his players, showing understanding. “It is logical, I would also be angry.”
Against Lokomotiv it happened to Llorente, who did seem more angry with himself; and on previous occasions to Diego Costa, to Suárez, not used to being substituted at Barça… The footballers now also find themselves in a new situation in this post-lockdown League: when they leave the field they go to sit in the stands and there everything is seen, Well, they are much more exposed than on the bench.
“Everyone wants to play, but they have to understand that we have a very large squad,” summed up Cerezo after the derby to Movistar. The rule of the five changes implies that it is already more common for players who do not finish the games, especially in the case of attack. The schedule is tight and it is normal that, even with the scoreboard against, some attacking player leaves the field earlier than they think they will.
Koke, Atletico captain, did not want to stir the matter either when asked after the derby: “There are many games, there are five changes and a great squad. We can all play and we have to take advantage of the opportunities “, he summed up, assuming that now 16 play in each game. Simeone has been one of those who has best taken advantage of this circumstance, but the bad faces of the players spoil the plan.