Atlético Madrid-Valencia: LaLiga 2022 preview, match info, squad news

Diego Simeone isn’t giving up on Atlético Madrid’s season simply but, even because the workforce’s performances proceed to worsen following consecutive cup disappointments.

“I really feel excellent, with nice enthusiasm — the identical as I had the primary day (I arrived as coach). I solely take into consideration constructive issues,” Simeone advised the media Friday as Atlético put together to face Valencia. “Everybody sees what they need to see, (however) I attempt to take a look at the dynamics from the newest league video games, which aren’t unhealthy. We beat Rayo and drew at Villarreal’s stadium. Hopefully, we are able to proceed with that constructive dynamic. The whole lot that has occurred (already this season) can’t be fastened.

“Ninety % of the gamers who made us champions just a few months in the past will play tomorrow.”

Photograph by David Aliaga/NurPhoto through Getty Pictures

Atlético (9-6-5, 33 factors) haven’t performed a league sport in almost two weeks and are barely hanging on to fourth place. One of many Rojiblancos’ opponents for high 4 could possibly be Valencia (7-8-6, 29 factors), particularly if José Bordalás’s workforce pulls off a victory on Saturday evening. Los Che haven’t received any of the previous 14 conferences with Atleti.

“We’ve got all the time been sturdy when we now have been all collectively — the followers, the administrators, the (gamers and coaches),” Simeone stated. “We’d like forcefulness and steadiness. We’ve got to transmit these qualities on the sphere. We’re going to discover a robust, advanced workforce (on Saturday), we all know their coach effectively.”

Stefan Savić has missed Atlético’s previous 9 video games.

Photograph by Angel Martinez/Getty Pictures

The injured Antoine Griezmann-Geoffrey Kondogbia-Marcos Llorente trio can be unavailable on this last sport earlier than a global break, however much-needed defensive reinforcements are on the way in which (no, not from the switch market). José Giménez and Stefan Savić are good to go after lacking the Copa del Rey defeat in midweek. Assuming Savić performs, it is going to be his first look for the reason that 2-1 loss to Mallorca on Dec. 5.

“We belief and consider on this group,” Simeone stated. “We consider that the workforce is extra necessary than people. When the workforce responds (to hostile conditions), every part capabilities higher.”

Date Jan. 22, 2022

Location Estadio Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid

Kickoff time 9:00 p.m. CET, 8:00 p.m. GMT, 3:00 p.m. EST, 12:00 p.m. PST

Available TV/streaming ESPN+ (United States), Movistar LaLiga (Spain), LaLiga TV (United Kingdom)