Atletico Madrid has started its preseason on Monday in Majadahonda with a fragmented squad: several starters are in the semifinals of the World Cup and others are enjoying mandatory holidays. Simeone is managing a reduced group with youth players.
Atletico Madrid kicked off its preseason on Monday at the facilities in Majadahonda, but it did so with a group of players that does not resemble what Simeone had envisioned. The reason, as could only be expected, is the 2026 World Cup, which is still ongoing and has left the red-and-white squad in disarray.
As the ball begins to roll again on the grass of the sports city, the coaching staff led by Diego Pablo Simeone faces an atypical summer. Physical and tactical preparation must coexist with a schedule that requires a meticulous management of loads, as not all players start at the same time.
The Available Group: Oblak, Koke and a Legion of Youth Players
In this first block of training, the colchonero team has key players to set the pace. Jan Oblak, Robin Le Normand and Koke Resurrección are the defensive and organisational leaders guiding the group. They are joined by young players like Pablo Barrios and Mendoza, as well as key pieces like Lookman, Hancko, Hjulmand, Johnny Cardoso and Ruggeri.
Attention must also be paid to those returning from loans: Carlos Martín, Thomas Lemar and Moldovan. Due to the shortage of players, a significant representation of youth players is taking on the challenge of earning a spot. How to balance preparation when competitive rhythms are so disparate? That is the big question hanging over the sports city.
“It’s a logistical and sporting challenge. We have to be smart so that everyone arrives at the best possible moment for the start of LaLiga,” club sources explain.
While this summer group sweats it out on the pitch, other important names are enjoying a well-deserved rest after their international commitments. José María Giménez, Kang-In Lee, Obed Vargas and Alexander Sørloth will join later, with mandatory holidays to ensure their physical freshness ahead of the demanding league debut.
The Toll of the World Cup Semifinals and the Uncertainty of Nico González
The real puzzle for sports planning lies in the success of their internationals in the major world event. The red-and-white team is experiencing a notable exodus as several of its players are competing in the World Cup semifinals.
From Argentina, crucial players like Juan Musso, Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada, Giuliano Simeone and Julián Álvarez are extending their stay in the tournament. A similar situation is faced by the Spanish block, which keeps Alejandro Grimaldo, Marc Pubill, Marcos Llorente and Álex Baena focused, significantly delaying their return to Madrid.
For Atletico fans, this means they will not see their stars until well into the preseason. The first LaLiga match is just around the corner, and Simeone will have to devise a plan to ensure the team is well-prepared without rushing timelines.
Beyond the scheduled absences, the sports management is cautiously monitoring the case of Nico González. The midfielder is in a situation of absolute uncertainty, with his contractual future pending a definitive resolution that will clarify whether he will be part of the project, rejoin Juve, or seek another destination.
Atletico thus begins a demanding preseason, where the rigour in human and tactical management will determine the solidity of the colchonero project in a year of high expectations. The first friendlies are already scheduled, and fans are eagerly waiting to see how this new team performs.
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