This past campaign was the team's best season since 1995-1996, when those rojiblancos won el doblete -- La Liga and La Copa del Rey. One of the players on that Atletico squad was Cholo Simeone, the club's current manager. Then and now, he contributes an incredible amount of intensity to the team, and his hard-nosed style resonates with fans.
This year, the team finished with the most points (76) since 1995-96, finishing third in the table (and, as some people say, winning the "Other League", the one played by all teams not named Real Madrid or Barcelona). Most importantly, Atletico won La Copa del Rey against Real Madrid. This victory against our cross-town rivals was the first time Atleti had beaten RM in 14 years. In a way, the moment was similar to the Red Sox in 2004 when they took down the Yankees in dramatic fashion -- the fans sighed a huge sigh of relief, and a weight has been lifted off the shoulders of Atletico fans.
And, then, just like that, we lose Falcao. Gracias, Falcao.
With the departure of Falcao, and with the team qualifying for the Champions League, there is a need to add some depth and talent to the roster.
So far, Atletico have signed Rayo Vallecano striker Leo Baptistao. He is only 20, but seems to have a bright future.
http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=2097682.html
The current squad for next year is this:
Keeper: Courtois (both Asenjo and Joel may not return)
Right Back: Juanfran, Manquillo
Center Back: Godin, Miranda (Pulido, from the youth system is next, but they will try to sign someone)
Left Back: Felipe Luis, Insua
Center Midfielder: Gabi, Mario Suarez, Tiago
Wings: Arda Turan, Koke
Striker: Diego Costa, Leo Baptistao, Adrian
Gone: Falcao
Most likely not returning: Cata Diaz, Domingo Cisma
Maybe not returning: Cebolla Rodriguez, Raul Garcia
This year, the team finished with the most points (76) since 1995-96, finishing third in the table (and, as some people say, winning the "Other League", the one played by all teams not named Real Madrid or Barcelona). Most importantly, Atletico won La Copa del Rey against Real Madrid. This victory against our cross-town rivals was the first time Atleti had beaten RM in 14 years. In a way, the moment was similar to the Red Sox in 2004 when they took down the Yankees in dramatic fashion -- the fans sighed a huge sigh of relief, and a weight has been lifted off the shoulders of Atletico fans.
And, then, just like that, we lose Falcao. Gracias, Falcao.
With the departure of Falcao, and with the team qualifying for the Champions League, there is a need to add some depth and talent to the roster.
So far, Atletico have signed Rayo Vallecano striker Leo Baptistao. He is only 20, but seems to have a bright future.
http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=2097682.html
The current squad for next year is this:
Keeper: Courtois (both Asenjo and Joel may not return)
Right Back: Juanfran, Manquillo
Center Back: Godin, Miranda (Pulido, from the youth system is next, but they will try to sign someone)
Left Back: Felipe Luis, Insua
Center Midfielder: Gabi, Mario Suarez, Tiago
Wings: Arda Turan, Koke
Striker: Diego Costa, Leo Baptistao, Adrian
Gone: Falcao
Most likely not returning: Cata Diaz, Domingo Cisma
Maybe not returning: Cebolla Rodriguez, Raul Garcia