The Atlético de Madrid coach was asked about the criticism his son has received on social media and from those who question his regular presence in the Rojiblancos’ lineup. El Cholo chose not to fuel the controversy and responded with a strong statement.
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Diego Simeone Defends Giuliano Amid Criticism at Atlético de Madrid
Diego Simeone did not need a long speech to defend Giuliano Simeone.
“I have nothing to say. Giuliano’s actions and work speak for themselves.”
For Simeone, Giuliano’s performances on the pitch are enough of an answer. The coach refused to go deeper into the criticism and once again backed a player who has become an important piece of the team because of his intensity, work rate, and ability to contribute on the wing.
Giuliano Responds on the Pitch
There is an unavoidable element to the situation: coach and player are father and son.
That has placed even greater scrutiny on every decision involving Giuliano, especially when Atlético de Madrid is going through a difficult period.
However, Simeone has preferred to stay away from that debate.
His message was simple: judge the player by what he does on the pitch.
Giuliano has played an important role at the start of the season and was in the starting lineup at Anfield during the 2-1 defeat against Liverpool in the Champions League. He even had one of the Rojiblancos’ opportunities in the second half of a match in which Atlético once again struggled to find attacking answers.
El Cholo’s problem, however, goes far beyond any individual debate.
Simeone Acknowledges Atlético’s Problems
Atlético de Madrid heads into its visit to Real Sociedad after two consecutive defeats: a 3-0 loss to Athletic Club in LaLiga and a 2-1 defeat against Liverpool in the Champions League.
The defensive numbers are also a concern.
The Rojiblancos have conceded eight goals in their first five competitive matches of the season and are still searching for the consistency that has historically defined Simeone’s teams.
The coach himself acknowledged that his side needs greater balance throughout the 90 minutes and, above all, must rediscover its defensive solidity.
The attack has managed to score in virtually every match, with the exception of the defeat in Bilbao. The problem has been at the back, where Atlético has yet to find the necessary stability.
More Problems Ahead of the Visit to Real Sociedad
Injuries have added to the team’s concerns.
Pablo Barrios will not be available for the match after suffering a low-grade myofascial injury to his right leg following the game against Liverpool, an absence officially confirmed by Atlético de Madrid.
Alexander Sørloth is also not ready to return. Simeone acknowledged that he spoke with the striker and said he is eager to get back on the pitch, but the team will still have to find solutions without a forward whose characteristics the coach considers difficult to replace.
The next test will come this Sunday against Real Sociedad at Anoeta on Matchday 5 of LaLiga.
It is an important match for an Atlético de Madrid side that needs to regain stability and prevent the first doubts of the season from developing into a full-blown crisis.
Amid that difficult situation, Simeone made his position on Giuliano perfectly clear.
He did not want to debate the criticism.
He preferred to let the soccer do the talking.
Giuliano Simeone Baldini
Club Atlético de Madrid
