Atletico Madrid: Reasons for optimism as new season gets underway

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By Paul Giblin

MADRID, Aug. 15 (Xinhua) -- Whatever the result of the European Supercup against neighbors Real Madrid on Wednesday night, Atletico Madrid supporters will go into the forthcoming season filled with optimism after a summer which saw the club hang onto key players while, on paper at least, strengthening the squad in midfield and attack.

Last season ended on a high-note for Diego Simeone's side as they made up for their disappointing exit from the group stage of the Champions League by winning the Europa League and finishing second in the La Liga Santander behind FC Barcelona, three points ahead of Real.

The summer got off to a positive start when after a bit too much theatrical posturing Antoine Griezmann announced that he was staying at the club rather than taking the chance to join Barca and the Frenchman then proved his worth as he helped steer France to this summer's World Cup.

Fans got glimpses of the partnership between Griezmann and Diego Costa in the second half of last season, but Costa needed time to get to full fitness last season after 6 months out of action. He should start this season in top form; no side will relish having to combat Costa's power and Griezmann's pace and workrate.

While Atletico said an emotional goodbye to Fernando Torres at the end of last season and sold Kevin Gameiro to Valencia, they look to have bought wisely to replace them with French winger, Thomas Lemar signed from Monaco, Gelson Martins coming from Sporting Lisbon and Croatian international Nikola Kalinic from AC Milan.

Veteran midfielder Gabi Fernandez is another player to leave the club this summer, but the arrival of the powerful Rodrigo Hernandez promises to more than make up for his departure. The former Villarreal player combines power in winning possession with ability to pick out a pass and his arrival should add extra dynamism to Atletico.

Elsewhere Saul Niguez, Koke, Angel Correa and Thomas Partey will all offer options for Simeone, while his defense has that same mean look as last season when Atletico conceded just 22 goals, seven fewer than Barcelona.

Jan Oblak reportedly rejected Chelsea's bid to stay at Atletico, while central defender Diego Godin rejected the chance to join Manchester United to highlight the spirit of the club. Godin may be in his last season with Atletico, but with Jose Gimenez returning after a fine World Cup and Stefan Savic as back up, it is hard to imagine Atletico suddenly starting to leak goals.

The only place where they may be weaker than last season is at right back, where Colombian international Santiago Arias has been brought in to replace Sime Vresaljko, with the Croatian loaned to Inter Milan prior to a permanent move.

Vresaljko had a great end to last season and an excellent World Cup and Arias may need time to adjust to the demands of Spain after playing in the Dutch league.

Meanwhile, Simeone will continue to demand the best from his players with the reaction of those such as Griezmann, Godin and Oblak showing they believe he improves them as players. With a happy camp, a rock solid defense and more firepower going forward, some even believe Atletico should be favorites for this season's title. Enditem

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