Crisis at the Metropolitano

Atlético Madrid can’t find their footing in LaLiga. A 1-1 draw against relegation-threatened Mallorca left Los Colchoneros sitting 12th in the table, with just one win and six points from five matches. It’s their worst start in years and has already sparked speculation about the possible end of the Simeone era at the club.

Tensions rose further at the weekend when Julián Álvarez showed his frustration after being substituted in the 62nd minute. The 2022 World Cup winner looked visibly upset as he left the pitch, exposing cracks in a dressing room that seems increasingly out of sync.

A substitution gone wrong

Simeone’s decision came under even more fire because Álvarez’s replacement, Alexander Sorloth, lasted just ten minutes before being shown a red card. Reduced to ten men, Atlético conceded the equalizer in the 85th minute to Vedat Muriqi, squandering another chance and leaving fans even more restless.

Spanish media have already begun speculating about a future change on the bench, with Fernando Torres emerging as a potential successor to Simeone should results fail to improve.

Simeone faces the media

At the post-match press conference, El Cholo defended both his choice and Álvarez himself:
"He’s the best player we have, we need him at his best. Everyone gets angry when they’re taken off, that’s normal. I thought Sorloth could give us more depth inside the box."

On the Norwegian’s red card, Simeone was blunt: "There’s no point debating it. It was red, and we adjusted as best we could. Then Mallorca scored, and we couldn’t hold on."

The Argentine coach remains firm in his message of hard work and sacrifice, but the reality is clear: Atlético are sinking in the table, and the pressure on Simeone grows heavier with every match.