BRATISLAVA. Eight new faces and spent 176 million euros. Atlético Madrid has been strengthened in the summer, although, so far, it seems only on paper.
She is experiencing the worst start to the season in the era of coach Diego Simeone, which has been launching since 2011. So far, only two points out of possible nine.
“We need time and patience,” the coach asked after the last loss of points with Deportivo Alavés. It seems that at the beginning of the year David Hancko is the only positive of the Madrid club.
Multi -purpose Slovak Wall
Table of Contents
“Although Atlético has only won two points, Hancko is one of the most positive aspects of the team,” writes Sergio Picos, a journalist from the prestigious diary as.
“He was remarkable as the last time against Elche,” Hanck’s performance Mundo Deportivo said. “It is clear that there is no natural defender,” the Spanish daily added.
Experts at Hanck highlight his offensive activity, which he could develop even more in the last duo. Against Alavés, coach Simeone put it on the left side of the defense, leaving Mattea Ruggeri on the bench, who plays in this post.
“Hancko, a multi -purpose wall,” said journalist Sergio Picos from Diario As a week ago.
The Spanish expert highlights his speed and desire to engage in the offensive phase. This is evidenced by fifteen goals scored in three years in Feyenoord.
Hancko also scored on Thursday in the qualifying match of the World Championship 2026, in which Slovakia sensationally won over Germany 2: 0.
Has a fixed step and is eagerly attacking, praising Simeone
“Atlético Madrid has a new defense leader. David Hanck, who got to the forefront as soon as he put on a red-white jersey. It makes a great impression,” the Spanish journalist continues in the praise of the Slovak.
According to him, its versatility will certainly be used at any time during the season. “In the first matches he performed good performances and I am sure he has room for improvement,” said Hancka coach Diego Simeone.
The only thing the coach has complained about is the language barrier. But she shows great things on the pitch, “looks more relaxed and more energetic. It is eager to attack and has a firm step at the moment he crosses the midline.”
Slovak footballer David Hancko (right) in Newcastle – Atlético Madrid. (Author: TASR/PA Via AP)
Atlético, who is constantly unlucky for injuries, can rely on the guy nicknamed the iron man in the back rows.
Looking at the table drops the sweat from the forehead
While experts agree in the praise of Hanck, they also see problems in the Madrid team at the beginning of this season.
“You are looking at the current placement in the table with a drop of sweat on the forehead,” describes the current situation of Atlética Sergio Picos from Diario As.
The Madrid team is the Spanish league in the 17th place. He went to the national break in the worst possible form.
Two draws and loss with teams that you should normally overcome if you want to fight for the title. “Simeone asks for patience, but the table is pushing,” writes Diario AS.
A big problem is in the attack. More precisely in efficiency. Of the 43 shots, only sixteen to the goal, Atlético scored only three goals. This is an average goal for fourteen shots.
With names such as Antoine Griezmann, Julián Álvaz and Alexander Sorloth, the Madrid team must transform its opportunities.
Awaiting a lot of work awaits
“We need to have even more shots, more power,” Diego Simeone complained last and added, “We have to improve in defense, but we need to improve even more in the final part of the pitch.”
Diego Simeone. (Author: TASR/AP)
In addition to the ending, the problem of atlética can also be a large number of new names in the assembly.
“So far, Hancko, Cardoso and Almada have always been in the basic line -up. But the first of them has performed convincing performances,” Diario AS wrote.
Los Colchoneros invested 42 million euros in Alex Baena from Villareal in the summer. However, he was injured at his premiere.
“Simeone’s team will have to think about what he’s not doing well and what he needs to improve. Obviously, there is a lot to correct,” he added. Diaz of Diario As.
“One of my friends called me and asked,” How long do we still have to bear it? How many corners will we play without finishing any of them? ” There’s a job, a lot of work to do, “concluded the journalist.
To further contextualize Atlético Madrid’s struggles,let’s delve deeper into the numbers. the following table provides a snapshot of key performance indicators, highlighting the stark contrast between expectations and reality:
| Metric | Current Season (First 3 Games) | Average (Past 3 Seasons) | Variance |
|---|---|---|---|
| League Position | 17th | 4th | -13 positions |
| Points Earned | 2 | 7 | -5 points |
| Goals Scored | 3 | 6 | -3 goals |
| Shots on Target | 16/43 | 25/45 | -9 on target, +2 shots |
| Possession % | 52% | 58% | -6% |
This data paints a clear picture: Atlético is underperforming across the board. While the focus rightfully remains on finding solutions to elevate the team, the impact of David Hancko’s contributions appear even more important considering the broader team difficulties. As the season unfolds, thes statistics and the performances of Hancko and other fresh faces will be crucial to watch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
To address common queries and provide further context, we’ve compiled a FAQ section covering key topics:
Q: What specific areas is Atlético Madrid struggling in?
A: Atlético Madrid is facing challenges in multiple facets of their game. The most prominent issues are a lack of goalscoring, with only three goals scored in the first three matches, along with a disappointing league position and a lower shots-on-target rate compared to recent seasons. Efficiency in front of goal is clearly a major concern.
Q: How does David Hancko fit into the team’s current situation?
A: Despite the team’s struggles, David Hancko has been a bright spot. His versatility, defensive prowess, and offensive contributions have been highlighted by analysts and Coach Simeone. His performance is especially notable given the team’s overall underperformance. This makes him, as the analysts say, a multi -purpose wall.
Q: What are the expectations for Atlético Madrid this season?
A: Considering the investment in new players and the ambition of the club, expectations are high. Their primary goal would be to challenge for the La Liga title and perform well in the champions League. The poor start has put them behind the eight ball. This makes Hancko’s contribution key to the team.
Q: What’s the impact of the new signings?
A: The new signings, including Hancko, cardoso, Almada, and Alex Baena, were expected to strengthen the team. However, new players require time to gel. Some-like Baena-have also suffered injuries. This is an issue to keep under observation.
Q: What does the future hold for Atlético Madrid?
A: The season is still young, and there is plenty of time for Atlético Madrid to turn things around. Improving goal-scoring efficiency, fully integrating new players, and addressing defensive issues are critical. Simeone’s experience and tactical acumen will be essential in navigating the team through this challenging period and helping players like Hancko settle effectively.
