Don’t consume. See the reality we have. Match by match there, we’re screwed. Since Simeone spoke with the fervor of a man who lives every match, he became the most influential figure in Atleti’s 120 year history. He earned the fans’ love, the club’s confidence, and the players’ trust. He stands as the moral authority of the club through good times and bad. Those who belong to a certain cadre, the supporters of the clock and the crest, have long claimed that since the Argentine arrived, he has faced relentless criticism from the harsh corners of media labeled Nacional Madridismo.
Some critics still sting, others have run out of remedies and given up, because for eleven years they have prophesied the end of a cycle that never comes. Despite the annoyance some feel toward Simeone and his Atleti, there is a case to be made for fairness. There is a perceived systematic attack on anything that smells of Cholo, as if the Argentinian needs special treatment. The reality is there is merit in steady, constructive critique. Constantly attacking Simeone is tiring for readers, and it makes journalism resemble a public relations routine. A balanced approach, in the medium term, holds more value. No quick fixes or impulsive narratives needed. They don’t add up. They just weigh things down.
Straight to the point. If Nahuel Molina was at Cholo’s request pushed hard, that is a matter for discussion. If De Paul became a pretext to mock Simeone, that was poorly handled. If Joao Félix became a weapon for a media clash against Simeone, it exposed those who bought cheap rhetoric and turned it into a club civil war. The truth is that Nahuel Molina started September with doubts, underperformed at times, and recovered with improved form. Today the world champion forward is sharper, with better pace and sharper decisions. He was not a betrayal of temptation, nor is he a god now. And He was not used to kill Simeone before, nor can he be used to deify the coach today.
Molina felt sadness and later showed improvement. To deny the progression would misrepresent the situation to the faithful. The same applies to De Paul. There were moments when presence seemed scarce, and now his influence is clear. The same goes for Koke, who was vilified and then accepted again. Griezmann faced heavy criticism last year and now finds himself trusted again. The same questions apply to Joao Félix. The harassment toward Cholo from some quarters is not ordinary, and the fevered urge to idolize Simeone now also feels excessive. The truth is players should not be used to attack the coach, nor should the coach be praised without restraint. The field speaks. The facts speak louder.
One steadfast supporter who always comes to the crossroads when Simeone is disrespected for free is clear: Cholo does not need spokespeople or amanuenses. He has earned the affection of the people, the backing of the club, and the trust of the locker room. Do not consume. Do not accept outrageous attacks or excessive praise. Simeone does not need demand-driven consumers. No removal, no grand installations. And the same goes for Athletic.
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Reuben Uria
Source: Goal