Griezmann’s disappointment raises questions for Atlético

Antione Griezmann’s disappointment following Atlético Madrid’s laboured 0-0 draw against newly promoted Leganés set alarm bells ringing, particularly over Los Rojiblancos’ start to the season and Simeone’s team selection. The French striker claimed his side would be “fighting against relegation" if they carry on in a similar vein, and his dissatisfaction was shared by all Atlético Madrid fans, who have seen their side stumble against two LaLiga newcomers after being held to two tepid draws.

Both Alavés and Leganés stationed ten players behind the ball, defensive walls that Los Rojiblancos were unable to break down. Simeone also started both encounters with a non-risk eleven, sending out two defensive midfielders (Gabi and Tiago against Alavés, and Gabi and Augusto versus Leganés). Saúl and Koke made up the rest of the midfield on both occasions, and against two sides that barely moved past the halfway line Simeone tried to rectify the situation on the fly. However, Atleti fans were left with the feeling that the mistakes from the first game were not rectified in the second, particularly given that both Alavés and Leganés only had one shot on goal in the whole 90 minutes.

In both games Atlético had 26 attempts on goal but only managed to score once, through a penalty. “Football is about goals,” Simeone said after the game at Butarque, but so far this campaign goals have been very thin on the ground. “We lack precision, which is why we’re not winning games,” he also said. Atlético need to get that vim and verve back from previous seasons and get their season back on track fast, particularly after rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona have a one hundred percent record so far.