Simone calls for patience as Atletico ‘build a new team’

Diego Simeone called for patience at Atletico Madrid following their poor start to the season as they “build a new team”.

Atleti are 12th in the LaLiga, with six points from five matches, after they drew 1-1 against Mallorca on Sunday.

Conor Gallagher scored the opener in the 79th minute, not long after Alexander Sorloth was shown a straight red card, but Vedat Muriqi equalised for Mallorca just six minutes later.

Julian Alvarez also missed a penalty early on for Atletico as they underperformed their expected goals (xG) of 2.26.

Simeone believes his squad need time to gel together, with four summer signings making an appearance against Mallorca, but conceded his side must be more clinical in front of goal.

The game ends in a draw in Mallorca. pic.twitter.com/nIAqhkaCDF

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) September 21, 2025

“We are trying to build a new team,” said Simeone.

“Many players have come and we are working on that work. We are on the road and hoping that efficiency and forcefulness will bring us closer to the results that we are not having.

“On the coach’s side we have to look at the positive side and correct what we have to correct.

“We have to improve the defensive part. The team has started scoring in every game but we have to improve to sustain the games.”

Alvarez was subbed off for Sorloth just after the hour mark, with the forward visibly frustrated by the decision.

Simeone defended the striker’s emotions, as well as his quality after his missed spot-kick.

“Julian is the best player we have offensively. We need to have it in the best way. I was playing a great game,” Simeone added.

“He understood that we needed Sorloth and they ended up sending him off in a confusing play. With Julian… all the players get angry when they come out, it’s normal.”