Graham Hunter believes Atletico Madrid's disciplinary record is atrocious
Wednesday 25 February 2015 19:37, UK
Graham Hunter labelled Atletico Madrid’s discipline ‘atrocious’’ after the Rojiblancos slipped further behind in their La Liga title defence.
Diego Simeone’s side are now seven points behind city rivals Real Madrid at the top of the table after a disappointing 2-0 defeat at Celta Vigo.
Injuries and suspensions deprived the champions of some key players in the loss, but Simeone’s gamble to replace Arda Turan and Raul Garcia with attacking players failed to pay off.
Hunter told Revista that while the injuries cannot be helped, the ill-discipline within the squad could cost Atletico dear.
“When you see a gameplan come apart there are more than the 90 minute reasons,” Hunter said.
"The discipline is atrocious.
"Last season two red cards and 100 bookings. Now, in February, five red cards and 100 bookings.
"They have had key suspensions all season. How much could Arda’s ability to help link the two strikers? Raul Garcia’s will to win?
"It is unlucky that that Koke and Tiago are injured. But those two players (Arda and Garcia) should have been there.
"100 bookings already this season? It is disgraceful, and that is their own fault."
Gaizka Mendieta feels that as well as the problems with ill-discipline, Simeone must look at his team selection to avoid a repeat of the showing at Celta.
"You could see everything was not working for Atletico Madrid," Mendieta told Revista.
"Last season, whenever they played well, it was because they made themselves a compact team, who were hard to beat, and they took their chances when they came.
"That didn’t happen against Celta.
"To make Torres, Griezmann and (Mandzukic) in the same team, trying to press, it just does not work."
