It is time to stop at Atlético and time for footballers who have not traveled with their national teams come to assess the situation of the team so far this year and after the balsamic victories against Milan in the Champions League and Barcelona in the League.
Renan Lodi attended Mundo Deportivo after losing his place in the Brazilian team, but with the clear objective of returning in the future after adding more prominence to Atlético. Regarding Atlético's situation, Lodi explains that “I see a team with many options. Since Cholo has been here, I think it is the best team that has ever been due to the quality it has.. That cannot be limited to words and we have to prove it on the pitch. I think we are doing a very good job and we are going to achieve important things, but this has to be demonstrated day by day, training by training ”.
Lodi also analyzes the difficulties of the team at the beginning of the course. “Some players arrived later because they were with the National Team and they missed the preseason. For example, it was my case. In fact, now that I have not gone with the National Team I am taking it as if it were a part of what I lost in the preseason. This is going to make me stronger for the rest of the year”. A Lodi ever closer to the lane position. “The lane defends and attacks. He centers, he gives full-back assists, but in lane theory it's easier for me. Because you are closer to the goal. On the line of five you are closer to scoring. I particularly see myself in this position too. I think I'm going to adapt as quickly as possible to have minutes again. I'm going to work to the maximum to have more minutes ”.
The Brazilian praises Simeone, who already warned him that his few minutes from last season would help him “get stronger.” “El Cholo has been the coach that has changed my life. He was the one who brought me to Spain. I was there at the Athletico Paranaense and he was studying to bring me to Spain, and he did. I will always thank you. I have great admiration for him because he is a legend within the club, and I am learning with him every day ”.
Lodi also remembered the last league title. “It was seven years since Atlético had won a title like La Liga. For me it was crazy because I hadn't won a title for three years, since I was at Athletico Paranaense. When we did it it was crazy. The return from Valladolid celebrating it on the bus. I think it was also important for the Atlético fans, which are lovely fans. It was crazy for everyone. Until today everyone talks about this. I am happy to be part of this story ”.
The Brazilian also analyzed the situation of his friend João Félix. “This season I see him looking forward to it. Of course people don't know what he went through with his ankle last season. He played five months with a bad ankle. This campaign I see him very happy, eager to learn because he is a very young boy like me. We are here to add what you need to the team. I see him eager to learn and I think he will have a good season”And explained that celebration of João Félix last season against Villarreal towards the bench, commanding the Brazilian to shut up, who had previously‘ bitten ’him. “People understood that it was for Cholo, but it was not like that.” Finally, Lodi considers himself 100% adapted to Atlético and hopes that this will be a great season for the rojiblancos that will allow him to return with the national team soon.