Atletico Madrid faces Celta Vigo on Thursday, which leaves Diego Simeone’s squad with two fewer days of recovery time before their crucial derby against Real Madrid. The Argentine coach is actively working on managing player workloads during training to ensure his team is in optimal condition for upcoming matches. This challenge is compounded by Atletico's aim to close the five-point gap with Real, who recently climbed to second place in LaLiga after their 3-2 victory over Alaves.
Simeone highlighted the need for careful management of player fitness, specifically noting that central midfielder Koke sat out of training on Wednesday due to his high playing time this season. The coach explained that their training sessions are designed around the players' workloads to help them perform at their best come match day. This focus on player wellness is particularly critical given the packed fixture schedules and the growing concern over injuries affecting key players in European football.
In light of these challenges, Simeone commented on the unique role players have in managing their own fitness levels. He emphasized that while coaching staff can provide support and guidance, ultimately it is the players who must take the initiative to create the necessary changes on the pitch. This approach reflects the larger context of the sport, where managing player health has become increasingly essential due to recent injuries among notable athletes like Kylian Mbappe and Rodri.
Looking ahead, Simeone expressed confidence in his strikers, Alexander Sorloth and Julian Alvarez, despite their slow start this season with just one goal each. He believes that as they build partnerships within the squad, their performances will improve. Currently, Atletico Madrid sits fourth in the LaLiga standings with 12 points after six games, while Celta Vigo occupies ninth place with nine points, making their upcoming match crucial for both teams.
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