Diego Simeone finds silver linings in Atletico Madrid’s underwhelming start to season

VILLARREAL – After a disappointing 2-2 draw against Villarreal to kick off their Spanish La Liga season on Aug 19, Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone remained optimistic, pointing out the positive aspects in his team's performance.

Atletico had to fight back twice in the first half to rescue a point at Villarreal, who made the most of their opponents’ mistakes in defence.

“We played a good game. We had individual situations that we have to improve but as a collective effort the team played well, but we conceded goals we could have avoided,” Simeone told Movistar Plus.

“(The) thing is, in the few chances they had in attack we were toothless and conceded two goals in isolated plays. But I saw good things and details that make the difference throughout the year.”

Arnaut Danjuma easily beat Atletico defender Axel Witsel to score Villarreal’s opener in the 18th minute, but Simeone’s men hit back quickly on the counter-attack two minutes later when Marcos Llorente sped unmarked into the box and unleashed an unstoppable strike into the top corner of the net.

A bad mistake by goalkeeper Jan Oblak then led to an own goal from Atletico captain Koke in the 37th minute.

Forward Alexander Sorloth, making his debut for Simeone’s side after an outstanding season for Villarreal as their top scorer, found the equaliser with a towering header six minutes into first-half added time from a Pablo Barrios cross from the right touchline.

In fierce, summer temperatures at La Ceramica on the east coast of Spain, both sides took it easier in the second half and the match lost the relentless intensity it had seen early on.

Neither team got a shot on target after the break, with Villarreal substitute Nicolas Pepe having the best chance from a free kick and hitting the crossbar in the 82nd minute.

Simeone also said that he was satisfied with the debut of his blockbuster signing Julian Alvarez, who came off the bench to play the final 15 minutes of the game but had little impact.

The Argentinian forward joined Atletico only a week ago after Manchester City agreed a deal of more than €75 million (S$108.8 million) to part with the versatile 24-year-old.

“Julian is gradually getting to know the club and his teammates and understanding the system that we are going to play, so we are hopeful we’ll be able to (appreciate) all the great things he has to offer soon enough,” Simeone said of his young compatriot.

The 54-year-old also confirmed that Joao Felix’s absence for the match was due to “the transfer market”, after British and Spanish media reported that Atletico had a deal in place to send the Portuguese forward to Chelsea.

“Soon you will know what I have already been told,” Simeone said with a laugh when he was asked about Felix.