Diego Pablo Simeone addressed the media this afternoon in Majadahonda to analyze the match against Villarreal. The rojiblancos want to take advantage of the positive momentum after defeating Bayer Leverkusen, aiming to reclaim the sole leadership of LaLiga. What is certain is that Simeone will have two absences due to suspension and another due to injury, although it is expected that everyone will be available to travel to Salzburg.
The yellow submarine has taken off in the domestic competition after thrashing Real Mallorca (4-0), seeking to move closer to European positions. In fact, Cholo spoke of the team led by Marcelino as candidates to fight for entry into the next edition of the Champions League. The Argentine analyzed the moment several of his players are experiencing in the face of a calendar that gives the colchoneros no respite.
Simeone Praises Rodrigo De Paul
Atlético de Madrid completed their final training session this morning in Majadahonda before hosting Villarreal tomorrow at the Metropolitano. There are two players who will not be available due to suspension, Clemente Lenglet and Javi Galán, although the latter is suffering from an ankle sprain. It will be a golden opportunity for Reinildo, who stood out against Bayer Leverkusen, and Robin Le Normand, who continues to grow.
One of the main protagonists of the last press conference was Rodrigo de Paul, one of the most outstanding players in this good moment for the rojiblanco team. "He always has hierarchy, he is an established player, a world champion, surely in this last period he is taking his best steps at Atlético," explained the Argentine coach. "He is very important for us, with a lot of personality and we hope he continues like this, we are going to demand this from him because it is what we need," he concluded when talking about the colchonero player.
Uncertainties in the Starting Eleven
The starting eleven is expected to be seen from the beginning, although Simeone could make some changes with an eye on their important visit to Salzburg in the Champions League. Conor Gallagher and Samuel Lino are competing for the left wing, while the right wing will feature Nahuel Molina as the full-back. The other uncertainty would be between Marcos Llorente and Giuliano Simeone, both worn out after the comeback experienced last Tuesday at home.
Julián Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann could form the attacking duo, although Ángel Correa has options to be one of the new additions in attack. Koke didn't have minutes in the last match, although he is expected to start next week for the suspended Pablo Barrios. Alexander Sorloth doesn't want to push himself and has been able to step on the field, although his return seems unlikely to be seen tomorrow against his former club.