By Emeka Blast 
Atlético’s Rocky Opening Doesn’t Shake Simeone
Madrid, Spain – Diego Simeone, the iconic manager of Atlético Madrid, remains unfazed despite a rocky start to the 2025-26 La Liga season, urging patience as his revamped squad faces Deportivo Alavés on August 30, 2025, at Mendizorroza. With only one point from their opening two matches, Atlético’s struggles have sparked scrutiny, but Simeone’s call for calm and his storied legacy at the club keep hope alive among fans.
Atlético’s campaign began with a 2-1 loss to Espanyol on August 17, marking their first opening-day defeat under Simeone’s 14-year tenure, as reported by Pique Newsmagazine. Despite debuting five new signings—Álex Baena, Thiago Almada, Johnny Cardoso, David Hancko, and Matteo Ruggeri—and taking the lead through Julián Álvarez’s free-kick, late goals from Miguel Rubio and Pere Milla exposed midfield frailties. A 1-1 draw against newly promoted Elche followed, with Alexander Sørloth’s early goal canceled out by Rafa Mir’s counter-attack, leaving Atlético in 13th place, per FotMob.
Simeone, speaking post-match, remained optimistic, stating, “The result hurts, but it’s going to make us improve and grow,” as quoted by @atletienglish on X. However, fans expressed frustration, with @SpidyAtletico tweeting, “Simeone’s changes ruined the game… We’re back to last season’s horrors.”
The integration of new signings, including €42m midfielder Baena and €81m striker Álvarez, has yet to yield cohesion. Against Elche, Atlético struggled to create chances after Sørloth’s early strike, with only four shots on target in the second half. Critics, including 22Bet, highlight a lack of midfield balance, with no clear central pairing and limited creativity from the right flank, where Giuliano Simeone, the manager’s son, has been criticized for inconsistent end product.
Injuries have compounded issues, with José Giménez sidelined until September and Baena doubtful for Alavés due to a muscle issue, per beIN SPORTS. Despite this, Simeone’s expected 4-4-2 lineup against Alavés includes stalwarts Jan Oblak, Robin Le Normand, and David Hancko, with Sørloth and Álvarez up top, as per si.com. Simeone acknowledged Alavés’ strength at home, saying, “They have clear ideas and are tough at Mendizorroza,” in a press conference shared by @Atleti on X.
The slow start has reignited debates about Simeone’s future, with ESPN noting that his once-famed defensive solidity has waned since the 2013-14 La Liga title. @AtletiOnTop vented on X, “Giuliano doesn’t have the level to start, and Griezmann is null,” while others, like @atletiuniverse, praised debutants Hancko and Almada. Despite the criticism, Simeone’s legacy—two La Liga titles, two Europa Leagues, and a 2013 Copa del Rey—offers perspective, with The Athletic calling him “arguably the most important figure in Atlético’s history.”
Alavés, sitting ninth with three points after a win over Levante and a loss to Real Betis, pose a stern test, having kept clean sheets in their last three home games against Atlético, per 22Bet. Fans on X, like @Alaves, rallied with “#GoazenGlorioso,” signaling confidence in their defensive setup under Eduardo Coudet.
Simeone’s call for patience faces a critical test against Alavés, with upcoming fixtures against Villarreal, Real Madrid, and Osasuna looming. A victory could stabilize the squad, but another slip could intensify pressure, despite his contract until 2027. As Atlético navigate this turbulent start, Simeone’s warrior mentality, lauded by Total Football Analysis for stifling Real Madrid in a recent 1-1 derby draw, remains their anchor. Whether his new-look side can rediscover their edge will define the weeks ahead.
