From rest to finals

“One last effort”. Cholo Simeone’s press conference after Atlético’s 0-0 draw against Granada at the Metropolitano left several ideas for what is to come. And what is coming are five finals, five league games in which the rojiblanco team is playing for everything or nothing: being in the next Champions League, the economic viability of it depends. LaLiga 14, that term that the rojiblancos coined after the defeat against Levante on February 16, had brought flight, six wins in six games. But the evil of relegation has once again gripped the legs of the rojiblancos, the defeat against Mallorca and the draw against Granada, the flight lost steam. The legs are heavy. And that is another of the things that the Argentine coach pointed out: “We need these rest days to renew our energy”, Simeon explained. “First rest and then come to work with enthusiasm”he added.

A break that came the next day. Atlético trained at Cerro del Espino, starters on one side and substitutes on the other, as always the next day and then rest. Four days taking advantage of the mini break this weekend without the League, because of the Copa del Rey final. From Thursday morning to Monday afternoon, at 6:30 p.m., which will be when the rojiblancos return. Finished the rest will be when the effort arrives. Because that effort is essential to face the remaining five finals. Barcelona and Seville tied at 63 points, Betis is fifth with 57 and, in between, the rojiblancos, with 61, and everyone with the same points and the feeling that LaLiga 14 needs a goal (after the March break, Atlético went to zero in four of the six games they played) and that the Xavieta has caught the flu. “Whoever has the most enthusiasm will win the maximum prize“That was also said by Cholo after the game against Granada.

Gimenez and Herrera

On his return to work, Simeone will be aware of two fundamental pieces for what is to come. Hector Herrera y Gimenez. The two have been out since the beginning of April. And Simeone also acknowledged at a press conference, this pre-Granada, that he awaits both for San Mamés, the next duel, the first of the five remaining finals. LaLiga de 14 finished, this is what remains. The fresh legs, the rest of these four days, the disconnection and now that sends the illusion. The rojiblancos began the season with the illusion of winning LaLiga for the second year in a row, with a squad that seemed to look everything in the face (the champions plus De Paul and Griezmann) but it has turned out to be the most irregular of all Simeone’s in the rojiblanco bench. But that is behind. The rojiblanco primary objective is that classification. There is no other. The future depends on her. And for this reason the footballers have rested these days. To stampede on her. Hopefully with the Mexican, hopefully with Josema.