Atletico Madrid’s Hotel Move and Key Player Updates Ahead of Champions League Semi-Final
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has addressed the recent change in accommodation for his team ahead of their Champions League semi-final second leg against Arsenal, dismissing any notion that superstition was a factor. Instead, he attributed the decision to the new location being “cheaper.” The Spanish club, currently tied 1-1 with the Gunners after the first leg, is preparing for the decisive match on Tuesday.
Previously, Atleti had stayed at the four-star Marriott Hotel in Regents Park, but they have now relocated to the five-star Courthouse Hotel in Shoreditch, east London. This move came after a 4-0 defeat by Mikel Arteta’s side in the league phase back in October. Some reports suggested that Simeone ordered the change, fearing that staying in the same hotel could bring bad luck. However, when questioned about the decision, Simeone responded with a smile: “The hotel was cheaper. That’s why we changed.”
Julian Alvarez Set to Return
Julian Alvarez, who scored a penalty and impressed in the opening leg, appears set to overcome an injury and start for Atleti at the Emirates Stadium. The former Manchester City forward, who has been linked with a potential move to Arsenal, missed the first leg and also sat out Atleti’s 2-0 victory over Valencia last Saturday. However, the Argentina international has traveled to London and is expected to feature.
Simeone highlighted Alvarez’s importance, stating: “Julian Alvarez is important in this game because he knows the English league very well. He played really well last week, and I hope he can bring what he needs in the game tomorrow.”
Tactical Approach and Emotions
Simeone also provided broader insights into his tactical approach, emphasizing the need for calmness and patience. “As coaches, we have to think about what could happen but it is down to the players. We have to manage our emotions and play as well as possible. The game changes as soon as it kicks off. Over time, you do become patient. It is not about being passive, but calm, and that is what we need in this type of game.”
Antoine Griezmann’s Final Chance
For Antoine Griezmann, the match against Arsenal could be his final appearance on Europe’s biggest stage if Atleti fail to progress. The 35-year-old Frenchman, who has scored 212 goals in 494 appearances for Atleti, is set to join Major League Soccer side Orlando City at the end of the season.
Despite the personal stakes, Griezmann remains focused on the game. “It is not something I am thinking about. I am looking forward to the game tomorrow, it will be a great contest to be part of, and I hope we can have the right attitude and play with the right pressure and build on our second-half performance from the first leg.”
He added: “Every time we start a Champions League campaign you can see yourself lifting the trophy, and any child in their bedroom would do the same. We are just two games away now and we have to get it right, tactically defensively and going forward, and of course we need more goals (than Arsenal).”
