An Atlético de Madrid football player in action with an inserted image of two people watching from the bench.

Marcos Llorente points out Simeone's biggest problem at Villarreal: 'It's very difficult...'

One of Atlético's top scorers in the league opener analysed the match after the draw at La Cerámica

Marcos Llorente was one of the standout players in Atléticode Madrid 's league debut. Despite the huge complications that Marcelino García 's Villarreal caused Cholo Simeone , the Spanish extrem managed to stand out. So much so that at times he was reminiscent of the player who captivated Europe during the 20/21 season, where he scored more than 20 goals.

In addition to being a deep stab on the right flank, Marcos Llorente tried on more than one occasion to find the goal or to find his teammates in the rival area. He already warned with several dangerous plays at the beginning of the match, highlighting a great cross that put the first goal on a plate for SamuelLino , but which was finally stopped by Diego Conde . However, his great moment came after Villarreal's 1-0, where he again galloped down his lane until reaching the rival goal where he shot past the goalkeeper to equalize.

Two Atletico Madrid football players celebrating on the pitch in red and white striped uniforms.
Koke giving instructions to Marcos Llorente after his goal | Europapress

It was a crucial goal, which was able to sustain the team a few minutes after having conceded the first goal, despite the fact that Atlético would later concede again. A defensive weakness that is once again reflected in the Colchoneros' team and that obviously worries their players. Marcos Llorente was the first to speak out on this matter in the press conference he held after the match.

A difficult problem to solve

"We conceded very quickly and easily, and that makes everything difficult for you," Marcos Llorente began his analysis. "We managed to get the equaliser, which is the most difficult part, and then we conceded another goal. When you concede two goals it is very difficult to turn the game around."

And it is not the first time that Atlético de Madrid ,  After starting off losing and drawing the match, they are dealt another blow that has left them very hurt. This was seen on several occasions last season, and for the moment it seems that they have not managed to solve the problem. "These are situations that cannot happen," Marcos Llorente stressed.

Regarding Oblak 's defensive error that ended in Koke 's own goal, he commented that "it's a sport of success and error, sometimes you make mistakes and other times you get it right." A disconnection that is usually paid for very dearly in the first division and that they are aware should not be repeated. Something that was also transferred to Diego Pablo Simeone 's press conference, where he declared that "there are situations that we can resolve better and we will work on it to play good games."

A ray of light in the storm

Despite the ghosts of the past that hovered over the Estadio de la Cerámica , Marcos Llorente was able to draw several positive reflections from his league debut. He said that "I'm happy to be back playing and competing, which is what we like, and against a very difficult opponent in a very nice stadium. It was a game that helped us get into rhythm and for our new teammates to adapt, who will be very important for us."

Football players celebrating a goal in red and white shirts.
Marcos Llorente, Samuel Lino and Antoine Griezmann celebrating the 1-1 | Atlético de Madrid

He also had some words of welcome about the latest signings. "They are settling in very well, Julián has teammates he knew from the national team, he speaks the language... All those who have come are great players who are used to playing high-level matches."