Atlético de Madrid is preparing for a revenge duel against Deportivo de La Coruña next Saturday, October 24, with the aim of MarcPubill once again demonstrating his quality after the error that cost him a goal against Stuttgart in the Champions League. The Catalan defender, who had been a key player last season and a figure in the Spanish team, is on the list of starters unless an unexpected surprise arises.
Pubill, considered one of Atlético's best full-backs and an absolute revelation of the season, suffered a drop in form during the Champions League match. In the match against Stuttgart, the player found himself in the photo of the German team's goal, with a loss of the ball that turned out to be an accident. Despite making two turnover errors in critical areas, his overall stats were solid: 91.6% passing accuracy, 100% tackling success, seven clearances and one blocked shot. Coach DiegoPabloSimeone acknowledged that, although there were mistakes, the player's overall performance was outstanding.
In the interview prior to the match against Deportivo, Simeone expressed his confidence in Pubill's recovery. “To do this he has to repeat the second half of the other day” in Germany, when “he was at the level” that “he was used to” from the red and white team. The coach stressed that the player is young, with an important present and an even greater future, and that his development will depend on his decision and will. “He has all the tools to continue growing: hunger, humility, work and it will depend on what he wants to continue growing,” he added.
Atlético's objective is to demonstrate that Pubill's negative performance was an accident and that the player can return to his usual level. The game against Deportivo will be an opportunity for the full-back to recover and confirm his position in central defense. With the coach's confidence and the statistics that support his potential, the expectation is that Pubill will once again be a key player in the next match.