Something is serious very wrong when ATLETICO DE MADRID officials
allow – yes, allow – two of its most extreme & radical fans ( "Frente
Atletico") into a closed training session yesterday to speak face to face
with various players.
Here is the pre-situation. New Coach Quique Sanchez Flores calls a
training session for Sunday morning with his new team at the “Vicente
Calderon” Stadium; a get together shut to the public. About 50
members of Atletico de Madrid most radical supporter’s wing, decide
unilaterally to go to the stadium to let known their feelings; sentiments
they voiced the night before threathening everyone as the image shows
above.The surprise is when two of them – as "representatives" – were
allowed in to speak to the Club Captains. What did they tell them? Why
were they allowed in? Who gave the OK? What can they possibly say that
would be anything but positive? Imagine new Coach Flores "flipping out"!
It’s a big mistake, which highlights the total disorganization within
the Club starting from the Directives which could have set an unwanted
& dangerous precedent. Firstly, you do not want to give any influence or
importance to a radical & violent supporting wing that has put dirt
on the Club´s image & prestige in the past with their violence. Secondly,
they are an intimidating element that players do not need at this
moment.There have been times that technical staff & players have
been threatened with physical violence for the way the team was
performing. Thirdly, while Spanish Football authorities are working hard
to distance themselves from these unwanted violent, racist & dangerous
elements, Atletico de Madrid sends a message that is totally against
current & almost “heart warming” - for them at least.
Beware; before you know it you will have a radical & violent sector
of the Club "influencing" Club decisions, infiltrating training sessions,
intimating with players in a very uncomfortable way & working under
the threats of consent violence. The risk of losing control over this
extreme wing could be a reality.
Many players like Aguero, Forlan, Simao & other Internationals must
be thinking today about where the hell they are in & may begin to plan
for their future in other more seriously organized Clubs with clear
policies & driving ambitions. This image, & picture, also makes other
potential World Class & national players stop considering the idea of
signing for Atletico de Madrid if their well-being & families are going to
be threatened by over fanatical supporters.
New Coach Sanchez Flores has a hell of a job ahead of him; it will be
a miracle if he manages to re-float this sinking ship. Atletico is living its
worst institutional crisis in the last 10 years & relegation to 2ºDivision
looks odd on favourite at this moment. If this does happen, how does
the Club wish to stop the extreme & radical supporters from
demonstrating their displeasure? Telling them they are not welcomed?
Shutting the Clubs & Stadiums doors?
Very worrying times ahead & terrible top management decisions.
The Club is a disaster, lets hope the Atletico "spirit" & the professionalism
of its staff & players, along with the sensible supporters, gets the Club
out of this frightening situation. May God help Atletico - if he can & wishes
to.
