Diego Simeone said he continues to believe in his players and is convinced that Atletico Madrid will turn the tide, despite his team's worst start to the La Liga season under him. On Saturday, Atletico drew 1-1 away to Alaves at the “Estadio de Mendisorosa“. It was the third consecutive match without a win since the start of the championship - something that has happened for the first time in the “Simeone“ era. The last time the club started so poorly was in the 2009/10 season under Abel Resino, when the “Rojiblancos“ did not win any of their first five matches.
So far, Madrid have drawn against Alaves and Elche (1:1) and defeat by Espanyol (1:2). “The first thing is for the team to improve – then the points will come. We will continue to work and I believe in my players. We have a squad that will show a better face. Today we could have won again, but we lacked sharpness and efficiency. In every match we take the lead and then we lose – it's strange“, said Simeone.
Atlético's goal was scored by his son Giuliano in the 7th minute, but Alaves equalized through a penalty by Carlos Vicente, awarded for a foul by Alexandre Serlot on Tenaglia.
Goalkeeper Jan Oblak also expressed concerns about the weak start to the season: “When things are not going well, you can't help but worry. This is not the start we wanted. We only have two points and the feeling is very bad, with a huge amount of disappointment. Unbelievable is what is happening to us – it is our fault. The points are gone and that is entirely our responsibility.“
Atlético will try to record a first victory in the next round against Villarreal at home, but the tension around the team is already being felt seriously.