Gregorio Manzano is Presented

Gregorio Manzano (58) was presented today as the new manager of Atletico Madrid, on a one year deal. This is his second stint as manager of the club, previously taking charge in the 2003-04 season and taking the club to 7th place with a very average squad (we placed 7th this season with a supposedly “great” squad). The only title he has won was the Copa del Rey in 2003 with Mallorca.

His assistants? Juan Vizcaíno and Rubén Baraja, both Atletico youth products and excellent midfielders who are now retired.

I ask for the supporters to believe in me. I won’t let you down. I’m sure that we’ll create a competitive team, who is balanced, and will give great moments to our supporters.

Our job is to improve from where we left off, which is seventh place in the league, as the club has demanded.

The squad, overall, is practically complete. It’s around 80 or 90 percent there. Like any other club, we’re still subject to signings and departures. We’ll find reinforcements for spots that are lacking, but the core is already there, which is a great sign.

At least he is speaking positively. The Atletico fans are very critical so to address them and promise a good squad is very noble of him. He also mentioned that Kun Aguero is still technically part of the squad and hopes that he’ll be able to stay (Real Madrid looks to be his next destination).

Whether you believe in him or not, this new Atletico project has officially begun and now begins the signings of players. The following players are practically confirmed to be on their way here:

Miranda (26) – Center back, Sao Paulo
Silvio (23) – Fullback, right or left (!), SC Braga
Gabi Fernandez (27) – Defensive midfielder, Real Zaragoza
Adrian (23) – Forward, Deportivo la Coruna

Decent pool of signings so far, sure to give competition to the players who are already there. The only signing that sounds iffy is Adrian, who still isn’t proven and doesn’t have a good scoring record at all.

On the way out is still Aguero, De Gea, and now Assuncao is rumored to be heading to Real Zaragoza to reunite with Aguirre, and Diego Costa may be on his way out to Besiktas. Diego Godin wants to go to Chelsea (they made an offer during the winter that was declined) and Forlan looks like he’s going to stay, now that Quique is gone and there is no fiasco any more.

Once again, we’ll keep you updated here on Atletico Offside.

Category: Team News