Atletico's Simeone stays positive despite disappointing start

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone said he spotted good points in his side's performance, despite kicking off its La Liga season with a disappointing 2-2 draw at Villarreal on Monday.

Atletico had to fight back twice in the first half to rescue a point at Villarreal, which made the most of its rival's defensive mistakes.

Arnaut Danjuma easily beat Atletico defender Axel Witsel to score Villarreal's opener, and a bad mistake by goalkeeper Jan Oblak led to an own goal from Atleti captain Koke 19 minutes later.

"We played a good game. We had individual situations that we have to improve, but as a collective effort, the team played well. 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 can make the difference throughout the year."

Simeone said 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.

Argentine Alvarez joined Atletico only a week ago after Manchester City agreed a deal of more than 75 million euros ($83.13 million) to part with the versatile 24-year-old forward.

"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.

New Villarreal arrival Nicolas Pepe hit the crossbar with a looping freekick late on, but the teams could not be separated.

"We conceded very quickly, too easily, and that gives you an uphill struggle," Atletico midfielder Marcos Llorente said.

"We got back level, which is the hard thing, and we went and let in another goal, and, in the end, when you let in two, it's very hard to turn the game around. We didn't do it today."

Felix's future

The manager also confirmed that Joao Felix's absence on Monday 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.

Reports said the deal could also see Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher move to the Spanish club.

Chelsea is reported to have agreed a 40 million ($51 million) fee with Atletico to bring the 24-yearold back to Stamford Bridge.

Felix had a disappointing six-month loan spell at Stamford Bridge in the second half of the 2022-23 season, scoring four goals in 20 appearances

The 24-year-old Portugal international, who spent last term on loan with Barcelona, is believed to have been offered a six-year contract by Chelsea.

Felix's arrival could open the door for Gallagher to finally complete his move to Atletico, after the England midfielder's switch collapsed last week when Chelsea was unable to agree a deal for Madrid striker Samu Omorodion.

Atletico needed to sell Omorodion or another player to finance the move for Gallagher, who has trained alone since returning to Chelsea last week after being pictured in Spain ahead of his proposed 33 million euro transfer.

Chelsea, who lost 2-0 in its opening match of the Premier League season against Manchester City on Sunday, is also reported to have received an offer from Napoli for Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku.

Former Manchester United and Everton star Lukaku, 31, spent last season on loan at Roma.

Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling's future at Chelsea is also in doubt after new boss Enzo Maresca said he plans to clear up the former England winger's situation in the coming days.

Sterling was left out of the Blues squad to face City, and his representatives released a statement questioning the decision.

Agencies