Simeone keeps Joao Felix options open as Atletico boss lays down challenge

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone declared he’s “open to every little thing” on the subject of the way forward for Joao Felix, however urged the Portuguese expertise to indicate he deserves to be a daily starter.

Simeone spoke out in response to a query of whether or not he would perceive if Joao Felix requested to go away Atletico within the January switch window.

The 22-year-old ahead got here off the bench to play the second half of the 2-0 derby defeat to Actual Madrid final weekend, having two pictures on course and creating one probability in a energetic show

That show caught the attention of Simeone, who stated that model of Joao Felix was “the footballer we’d like”. In 13 video games this season, together with six begins, Joao Felix has managed only one purpose and two assists throughout all competitions.

He scored 10 occasions final season as Atletico captured the LaLiga crown, and netted 9 throughout his debut marketing campaign.

There would possible be many prepared takers if Atletico have been critical about letting him depart the Wanda Metropolitano, however Simeone can be loath to lose a participant he feels can contribute.

Requested about Joao Felix’s future within the brief time period, Simeone advised a information convention: “I at all times perceive every little thing, I’m open to every little thing, and an important factor is at all times the group, the place Joao is a vital determine.

“He has to repeat performances just like the one he had the opposite day on the Bernabeu. He confirmed all of the expertise he has, and I hope he would repeat it extra occasions as a result of he’s the footballer we’d like.”

The previous Benfica ahead was a big-money acquisition in 2019 as he arrived at Atletico in a jaw-dropping €126million deal, however he has but to stay as much as that price ticket.

Atletico deal with Sevilla in LaLiga on Saturday, going through the second-placed facet within the Spanish top-flight after shedding to leaders Actual Madrid final weekend.

Not simply your common strange on a regular basis MATCHDAY! pic.twitter.com/5HqLxC31Rk

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) December 18, 2021

It stays to be seen what position Joao Felix will play in that sport.

Simeone stated: “He’s an excellent footballer, the identical factor occurs with Portugal the place many occasions he doesn’t begin, however he does end the video games.

“With all of the gamers, I look to enhance them by excited about what the group wants. I perceive that one of the best ways to develop is by working. Joao has situations that simply by seeing him, you realise he is a good participant.”