Atletico Madrid coach finally speaks up about loanee at Barcelona – report

Barcelona forward Joao Felix
Photo By Joaquin Corchero/Europa Press via Getty Images

One of the most notable signings for FC Barcelona in the last summer transfer window was that of Joao Felix. The Catalans had rarely been linked with him before the player himself confessed his desire to play for the Catalan club, and even then, signing him seemed like an impossible task keeping in view the player’s valuation and the club’s economic conditions.

However, the one thing that played at Barcelona’s hands and allowed the Blaugranes to get him on a free loan was his problematic career at Atletico Madrid.

The Mattress Makers had paid €126 million for the Portuguese forward, but the player struggled to justify this spending during his time at Atletico, and his last months at the club were particularly harsh.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Diego Simeone has recently talked about this time in particular with reference to Felix and disclosed that Atletico Madrid fans might not like Felix, and his club’s culture was not entirely in line with the player’s style:

“Those are opinions or personal gestures. It’s a question for him. The people at Atlético don’t appreciate it. We have a different culture, and when you don’t understand it, it’s hard to fit in.”

“If I am Argentine and I’m in Spain, I have to live as in Spain. Everything positive that happens to him is extraordinary for us. If he stays at Barcelona, there will be a significant income, and if he returns, we are here for three years for him to come back and improve upon what he’s learned elsewhere.”

The Atletico Madrid coach went on to clarify that it was not Felix’s attitude that his problems at the Madrid club sprang from:

“It’s unfair; he couldn’t give everything he would have liked. I don’t think that’s the issue. He couldn’t. He gave what he was capable of giving. Today, we see him in a good light, with a more responsive intention towards losing the ball, and more active in attack.”

“He has always been talented; it’s difficult for him to cover a lot of ground defensively. Anything positive that happens for Joao, we’ll be happy at Atlético because it’s also better for the club.”

After arriving at the club, Felix had clearly stated that he adapts better to Barcelona’s style of play than that of Atletico’s. Simeone also reacted to these statements in his recent interview:

“Everyone has their way of seeing the game. Time is the greatest architect of reality. What he said seemed accurate to me. He plays for Barcelona, to attack, he’s happy there and should be where he feels content. He made those statements before the start of the League. Perhaps now, he might say something different.”

After a promising start to life at Barcelona, Felix has struggled in recent games to find the back of the net. While he is still contributing to the team in other ways, recent reports indicate that he may not remain an undisputed starter for long, especially as Xavi will be looking to reincorporate Frenkie into the starting eleven when he returns from his injury.

The Latest

Felix 8.5, Gundogan 9.0 | Barcelona 1-0 Atletico Madrid: Player ratings

A victory for FC Barcelona against Atletico Madrid would have been crucial, and that is exactly what they got. Beyond just the 1-0 victory,...

Barcelona can bring another player in January if one important sale goes through – report

The winter transfer window is about to begin in around one month, and FC Barcelona are finalising their plans for the January market. The...

Official: Barcelona announce squad for the game against Atletico Madrid

The big game arrives for FC Barcelona as they welcome Atletico Madrid to the Montjuic. The Blaugranes continue to believe in their ability to...

Possible squad number for Barcelona winter arrival revealed

FC Barcelona, like many of the great sides of European football, have had many icons of the game wear their colors. More often than...

Stats show latest Barcelona signing is significantly better than Vinicius and Rodrygo

Vitor Roque is looking to be the only addition that FC Barcelona will make to their squad in the coming winter transfer window. The...

Barcelona captain addresses Xavi as a coach, Dutch reunion and Atletico Madrid – report

FC Barcelona currently has many important players within their squad. The Catalan giants are blessed with one of the most stacked squads in Europe,...

Barcelona could receive an unexpected financial boost in January – report

With all the injuries and physical problems with players in an already short squad, FC Barcelona would ideally bring in several new players in...

Barcelona defender has doubts about his continuity, has many offers – reports

FC Barcelona are headed towards a future where they hope to count on talented youngsters. Taking a step back and reflecting on their mistakes...

Official: Barcelona signing to arrive in December following final game for Brazilian club

Despite their financial troubles, FC Barcelona remain a formidable force in the world of transfers. Irrespective of their economic offers or financial means, La...