Defensive alarm rings for the Cholo after Anfield loss
Under the floodlights of Anfield Road, Atletico Madrid fell 2‑1 to Liverpool, a loss that laid bare a defensive problem the Cholo cannot ignore. The Spaniards endured 14 shots on target, adding to a worrying tally of ten goals conceded in their first five matches of the season.
Defensive frailties exposed
La derrota del Atlético de Madrid en Inglaterra, ante el Liverpool, en Anfield Road, evidenció un problema de la defensa. Atletico faced 14 shots from Liverpool, 11 from Athletic Club, 20 from Sevilla, 13 from Villarreal and five from Málaga – 59 in five games, an average of almost 12 per match. Dave Thompson / Ap-LaPresse Chema G. Fuente Periodista supplied the data.
Simeone demands urgent fixes
Diego Pablo Simeone was crystal clear after the clash. “Necesitamos trabajar. No hay otro camino. El equipo necesita ajustar detalles importantes. Son muchos goles. Dos hoy, tres en Bilbao, uno ante el Sevilla, dos contra el Villarreal … Tenemos que ajustar la parte defensiva porque no estamos defendiendo como podemos defender”, he said. Julián, primer gran paso hacia la normalidad, echoed the need for immediate improvement.
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In the first five fixtures the only match without conceding was the opening game against Málaga. In the remaining four the side allowed ten goals, a mean of two per game, up from seven in the same span last season.
Kang‑In Lee’s loss of possession produced Liverpool’s opener, while a lack of composure generated the second. Similar lapses occurred at San Mamés, with Giuliano and Grimaldo involved, and at Villarreal where Robin Le Normand’s penalty could have been avoided.
The defensive alarm rings loudly for the Cholo, who must tighten the back line if Atletico Madrid hopes to compete for titles this season.