Joao Félix had played for the Colchoneros for three and a half seasons. During the last winter transfer window, the Portuguese chose a new adventure. Against 11 million euros, Chelsea thus enlisted him in the form of a loan until the end of the current financial year. In a long interview with ASthe interested party detailed his decision to leave Atlético Madrid.
Without a filter, the 23-year-old did not hide having felt a form of wear and tear. “I had been looking for a change of scenery for some time now. It had become difficult for me to adapt to the way of playing. I left because I had my head full of trying so hard, but not succeeding. It had to be on this transfer window and I think it was the right decision, for Atlético as for me.”
Joao Félix – Simeone, ups and downs
When Joao Félix talks about the way the Madrid club plays, it’s hard not to start talking about Diego Simeone. With the Argentine technician, the former Benfica has not always had it easy. He sometimes found it difficult to accept his coach’s tactical philosophy, which he considers different. “It is to suffer, to have an opportunity and to mark it. It’s his way of competing. It’s not bad, but it’s different from other coaches.”
Even if Simeone is not unanimous in his mind, the native of Viseu still recognizes having learned a lot under his orders. “Since I arrived at Atlético until now, I have been a better player. And it’s thanks to everyone: Cholo, Fernando Santos, my teammates (…) I always wanted to win. What I learned (from Simeone, editor’s note) is to compete in a different way, which I was not used to.“In addition, Félix fully understands that his former coach was sometimes able to offer him less playing time.”Confidence must also come from the player. It is logical that the coach has more confidence in some than others, it is something normal.“
Even away from Madrid, Joao Félix’s future is still closely linked to Simeone’s. Will the latter still be in post at Atlético next season? This factor could well have its importance on a possible return of the Portuguese to the Metropolitano.
