After derby defeat, Atlético Madrileño admits ‘it is not enough’

“It is not enough”: after the derby defeat, Atlético Madrileño acknowledged it needed to do better. Real Madrid Castilla, managed by Julián López de Lerma, beat Fernando Torres’s side 3-2 at the Alfredo Di Stéfano stadium. The result was not what the rojiblanco coach wanted.

After the match, he recognised areas that needed improvement: “A game in which we have a lot to improve. When you don’t win, you always feel you could have done better, that the team could have done better.” He also pointed to periods when his side took control and created opportunities: “There were other very good spells when the team dominated. It had the chance to go ahead, and even to equalise with the last play.”

Fernando Torres stressed the need to stay the course despite the loss: “But we have to keep going our way; it is not enough. These defeats help us improve, I’m sure.” After losses to Villarreal B and Real Madrid Castilla, the coach believes the team must continue the work already under way.

He also discussed the tactical adjustments made during the match. Sergio Díez said the first half had been more difficult with one holding midfielder and two players ahead of him, while the team looked “much better” after switching to two holding midfielders and one player further forward.

Looking ahead, Torres called for greater cohesion and belief in the approach: “The important thing against opponents at this moment is to keep believing in an idea, keep building a team and understand that every player is important.” He sees the long week of work ahead as a useful opportunity to correct mistakes.

A right-back also called on the team to take collective responsibility, keep its heads up and prepare for the match against Zaragoza. “On Monday we’ll correct what needs improving, clear our heads and focus on the Zaragoza match,” he concluded.