Diego Simeone (foto: Getty Images)
Diego Simeone is unhappy with Atlético Madrid’s left-back options, as summer signings Javi Galán and Matteo Ruggeri struggle to impress ahead of a possible January rethink.
Diego Simeone has largely been satisfied with Atlético Madrid’s summer recruitment, but one position continues to cause concern — left-back.
Atlético invested heavily during the transfer window and most of the new arrivals have made a positive impact. However, reinforcements on the left side of defence have not delivered as expected.
Javi Galán returned to the club after a loan spell at Real Sociedad, while Matteo Ruggeri arrived from Atalanta with the expectation of providing energy and balance down the flank.
Ruggeri has featured more regularly this season, but reports in Spain suggest he has failed to convince Simeone, while Galán has struggled to establish himself as a reliable option.
As a result, Simeone has occasionally turned to David Hanček — a natural centre-back — to cover the left side, underlining the coach’s lack of trust in his specialist full-backs.
Atlético are now expected to explore the January transfer market for alternatives. While winter deals are rarely straightforward, the club will remain alert if the right opportunity emerges.
There is also a growing expectation that Galán could leave during the winter window. The defender was close to a Premier League move in the summer and could be allowed to depart if a suitable offer arrives.
Despite the issue, the situation is not yet critical. Atlético currently sit fourth in La Liga and remain competitive in the Champions League, although Barcelona’s nine-point lead in the title race highlights room for improvement.
Simeone’s side face Girona, currently 18th, in their next league match and will first turn their attention to the Copa del Rey clash against fourth-tier Atlético Baleares on Wednesday.
The broader picture of Atlético’s squad overhaul remains encouraging. Summer arrivals such as Hanček, Álex Baena, Johnny Cardoso, Thiago Almada and Marc Pubill have all made strong early impressions.
However, expectations were higher for the Italian contingent. Alongside Ruggeri, striker Giacomo Raspadori has struggled to make the desired impact.
Raspadori is already being linked with a return to Serie A, with Roma reportedly monitoring his situation as they push for a return to Champions League qualification.
For Simeone, the challenge is clear: the rebuild is progressing, but unresolved issues at left-back could yet shape Atlético’s ambitions in the second half of the season.