Atlético Madrid President Warns 'Keyboard Warriors' in Show of Support for Diego Simeone
By Ross Jackson
Atlético Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has vowed that boss Diego Simeone has the full backing of the club’s hierarchy.
The Madrid outfit are enduring a turbulent season and are well off the pace of Barcelona and city rivals Real in the La Liga title race.
Despite Los Colchoneros’ stuttering domestic campaign, they remain in the hunt for European glory, leading Liverpool 1-0 at the halfway stage of their round of 16 Champions League tie. And Cerezo has been quick to downplay any rumours of uncertainty in the Atlético camp, insisting their season is far from over.
"I'm warning the keyboard warriors: no one is doubting Simeone," he told Radio MARCA.
"The whole club and all the fans are behind him, I'm sure that we're going to do great things this season."
In less than a fortnight’s time Atléti travel to Anfield looking to secure their place in the quarter-finals of Europe’s premier competition.
Liverpool’s home form in the Premier League has been exemplary, not dropping a single point all season. Their home form in Europe, however, has been less convincing, dropping points at home to Napoli and narrowly edging past KRC Genk and RB Salzburg.
Cerezo is confident his side can get the result they need to progress in the competition and is also hoping for a beneficial result from the Clásico on Sunday.
"We're going to Anfield with lots of excitement and with a great result," he added.
"I would like there to be a draw between Real Madrid and Barcelona because it's in all of our interests.”
Atlético’s immediate focus will be on the weekend’s trip to La Liga strugglers Espanyol. Simeone’s men sit fourth in La Liga, locked on equal points with fifth-placed Sevilla and sixth-placed Getafe.
Sunday’s clash against the bottom club in Spain’s top division provides Atléti with the perfect opportunity to take a big step towards Champions League qualification for next season.