The praise kept rolling in for Joao Felix in these early weeks of the season but on Saturday afternoon it was confirmed that Diego Simeone isn't completely wedded to the Portuguese prodigy as he was withdrawn 10 minutes into the second half.
Joao Felix struggled in what was his worst game for Los Rojiblancos, and after just 28 minutes Simeone had Angel Correa warming up.
Not everything went the teenager's way, yet his performance was some way shy of what's now expected of him, and he looked slow in possession at times.
The break did him no favors as he didn't show enough of improvement afterward to see out the match.
Kieran Trippier even found him for a chance that the couldn't take just moments before his substitution.
Without mentioning names, Simeone explained his disappointment after the game with words that could be applied to Joao Felix.
"We need to improve and grow," he said.
"There are young people who have to assume more responsibility and that comes from big blows."
Temiball
0
I agree
NewsanRaes
1
These formats need Atletico now 3 4 3
Temiball
2
Definitely
Jemklpu
0
cr7ronaldo77777
0
where arethe barca foollllllllsssss who were saying he is better than ronaldo can't see them
last time someone was not even in the podium oh god I can't remember that who was he mate do u know
BarcaKings10
0
yaaa like ur pissi did in copa. can't even score against qatar also and one 1 penalty yaaa
Ronaldo is not even top 2 in Balandor
ForeverManJr
1
What?? Felix is struggling.. Then how will he play for Portugal
GangulyAvinaba
2
Best starting 11 for ATM.
dusaprsz
0
really y'all lost 1match and the criticisms of the players has begun....well yall now seems to realised thus ain't pre season no more
Tubdeiruy
1
l am sorry
shomarymasunga
0
this is just the beginning on 3 matches Simeone should add morata in attack to 4-3-3
takaimory
5
relax! most players came back from international duties always struggle to perform well due to fatigue..even cr7 below par
Lizaeiryz
1
u guys are comparing he with the greatest player of all time Ronaldo n that is why he won't play nothing good
DipankarATLETI
2
I think midfielders not good enough for that match. Koke, Lemar mistaken many things. Felix needs more times, he could not substitute I think. He could make this happen for atletico in 2-1 win against Real Socieobed. Tactics were poor, vitolo should play after 1st half and Felix, Costa would start than results could come best I think. Its totally fault of boss. I know how our teams won previous three matchs. Simone needs to think that Felix is new, he will play for one position don't bother his talent. He will be the best for the club.
Atleti=strength
2
All successful teams has at least 28 first team players to compete with, unlike Atleti
Atleti=strength
0
The players were not 100% fit and it shows, they needed rest and that's why we need a bigger squad to win things.
riddhi10
1
Attack is the best form of defense... simione must understand this
cr7ronaldo77777
0
where arethe barca foollllllllsssss who were saying he is better than ronaldo can't see them
yaaa like ur pissi did in copa. can't even score against qatar also and one 1 penalty yaaa
Maadeilpry
2
No Partey no party [Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
Anthoniojahabz
0
where arethe barca foollllllllsssss who were saying he is better than ronaldo can't see them
There so much players that are better than ronaldo right now, can’t better what he did but what he’s doing at the moment
Arthurmelo
0
where arethe barca foollllllllsssss who were saying he is better than ronaldo can't see them
LOL someone is hurt😂😂😂😂😂
FutbolLeninDaMaster
3
Atletico lost many key players. is a new team out there. it will take time to grow
EAGLECOPP
5
Tactical error l think, Simeone should change formation to attack instead of defence
Lionaire
4
Felix didn't struggle. The whole Real Sociedad team was around him. He is not Messi..He can dribble past 3-4 players but not an entire team around him..they man marked him..still he was smooth.. I don't know why Simeone subbed him off
cr7ronaldo77777
0
no one said he is better,I am an atleti fan but still have massive respect for Cristiano
not u there are some barca i**ot who say that
vupeimptu
0
where arethe barca foollllllllsssss who were saying he is better than ronaldo can't see them
no one said he is better,I am an atleti fan but still have massive respect for Cristiano
Johnnyohm
0
simeone Wifi cant connect properly with felix unlike Griezmann
Johnnyohm
3
may the reason was:..After simeone watch Sancho and Abraham's performance yesterday he was disappointed in felix thats why he was on time
cr7ronaldo77777
1
where arethe barca foollllllllsssss who were saying he is better than ronaldo can't see them