Diego Simeone targets defensive stability as Atlético Madrid faces Real Sociedad
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 12, 2026, 12:48 PM
Last updated Sep 12, 2026

Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone intends to tighten his team’s defensive structure following consecutive defeats. The club lost 2-1 to Liverpool in the Champions League on Tuesday, which followed a 3-0 defeat to Athletic Bilbao last weekend. Simeone emphasized the need for consistent performance throughout the full 90 minutes to complement an attack that has scored in all but one match this season. Atlético Madrid will look to regain momentum in Saturday’s La Liga fixture against Real Sociedad. The team faces personnel challenges ahead of the trip to San Sebastián, as midfielder Pablo Barrios is unavailable due to a leg injury sustained against Liverpool. Additionally, striker Alexander Sorloth remains sidelined with an ongoing muscle issue and has yet to appear for the club this campaign.
- •Atlético Madrid lost 2-1 to Liverpool in the Champions League on Tuesday.
- •The team suffered a 3-0 defeat against Athletic Bilbao last weekend.
- •Pablo Barrios is ruled out for the Real Sociedad match with a leg injury.
- •Alexander Sorloth continues to recover from a muscle injury and remains unavailable.
- •Simeone is prioritizing improved defensive consistency to secure clean sheets.
- 12:48 PMYahoo Sports — Simeone focused on improving Atlético Madrid’s defence
"Diego Simeone says Atlético Madrid must improve at the back to start winning again. Atlético have had a difficult week with Tuesday’s 2-1 Champions League defeat at Liverpool following the 3-0 loss at Athletic Bilbao last weekend.
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