Giménez was one of the most hurt Atlético footballers after the semifinal against Athletic. Not just because of the loss and elimination, but because of his expulsion in the 94th minute. The return flight from Saudi Arabia was one of the hardest in recent times for the red-and-white dressing room and, already cold, the center-back —and one of the captains— apologized through social networks for the team’s poor performance and for the action that cost him the red, a desperate attempt to finish off that ended in a kick to Iñigo Martínez.
“We were very excited to bring this Super Cup and we had to return before with great sadness… We are aware that we have things to improve NOW in order to reverse this and that the way is to work, work and work. From inside, without looking to the side”, begins Giménez, who continues talking about the expulsion: “I want to apologize to the team for having left them with one less and not being able to be in the next Cup match. Anyone who has the MINIMUM NOTION of what this sport is will know that at no time did I want to hurt a rival or get expelled. It was a totally involuntary move in a dispute with the rival on my back with the despair of trying to tie the game. Quickly and regardless of the card I went to apologize and worry about him. Now, we have another very important game on Thursday for what is coming and we have to get it out no matter what. United and with the faith that everything will be fine.
We were very excited to bring this Super Cup and we had to return before with great sadness… We are aware that we have things to improve NOW to be able to reverse this and that the way is to work, work and work. From the inside, without looking to the side. (THREAD) pic.twitter.com/wLToOQLilY
– Jose Maria Gimenez (@JoseMaGimenez13) January 14, 2022
Atlético’s next match is the visit to Real Sociedad, round of 16 in the Cup (Wednesday 19, 21:00), and as the player himself explains, Giménez will miss it due to suspension. The Super Cup punishment is fulfilled in the following national competition match. Another slowdown for the Uruguayan, who does not finish taking regularity. He was injured at the end of November and reappeared on January 2 against Rayo, game in which he saw the fifth yellow card. He did not play against Villarreal and he did in the Super Cup, but he was sent off. Now the Cup is lost, in Atlético’s worst defensive moment in years. The coaching staff hopes to be able to count on Savic for the appointment.