This week the Atléti legend waved goodbye in a truly heartwarming send-off that saw the 29-year-old depart after a loyal eight years of service. However, will his move away hurt the Madrid side’s chances this season at winning silverware?
The departing Spanish attacking-midfielder was more important to this Atléti team then just his usefulness of being a utility man under Diego Simeone. His loyalty and experience, both on and off the pitch, was very important to the recent success the team has achieved. Simeone’s trusted lieutenants have slowly been departing for new challenges over the years and with this summer being no exception, further long term serving players Arda Turan, João Miranda and Mario Suárez have also moved on with new chapters in their careers. Now with García among those gone, the coach is without many of his reliable and experienced players.
García, who was eager to feature more predominately in the final years of his career, sealed a move to La Liga rivals Athletic Bilbao with the guarantee of more first team opportunities. Simone was reported not to be fond of the decision and still saw the former Spanish international as vital team member, however, after the loyal service García has provided, he could not rightfully stop the desires of the former Rojiblancos captain. With Antoine Griezmann, Fernando Torres and new signings Jackson Martínez, Luciano Vietto and Yannick Ferreira Carrasco all ahead of the experienced midfielder in the pecking order, García was ultimately going to feature even less than in 2014-15.
“We say goodbye to a man and a captain. He deserves this opportunity,” Simeone told reporters.
The attacking-midfielder scored 45 goals in 329 appearances for the Rojiblancos and contributed to the recent success in the Europa League, Copa del Rey and 2013-14 La Liga league title triumph. Whether it was in a central position, on the wing in midfield or playing up front, Simeone was always able to rely on the contribution of García. Along with his aggressive and physical style of play, he was the perfect soldier for the coach.
Deservedly the club publicly lauded the Atléti legend for his service, making it clear to both the player and the world the affection the Madrid will forever have for García. Unlike Miranda or Turan’s departure, it is the Basque man that Simeone realises will be solely missed for this campaign.
With this Atléti side seeing a somewhat transitional period, a number of new signings and academy youngsters integrated into the first team, the loss of the experienced García could play a part on their season at its critical stages. A concern that perhaps suggested exactly why Simeone was so against the idea of losing such a figure.
Atléti are facing a season with much optimism for the first time. With a world class manager in Simeone leading the team, the new recruits along with star players Griezmann, Gabi, Koke and Godín already available, the belief of this Madrid side accomplishing the incredible has appeared. Teams around Europe have identified Atléti as serious competitors for this season’s Champions League, as well as being able to challenge both Real Madrid and Barcelona for the title, rather than third which was the case last time around.
García’s usefulness in being able to feature anywhere along the midfield, or as a striker, was valuable for Simeone in 2014-15, particularly when Mario Mandžukić was injured and Griezmann could not find form earlier on. Now if an injury were to occur to first team stars, Simeone will have to depend on a youngster or new recruit to fill the void.
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While of course not being the worst case scenario, if Atléti were to face such unfortunate circumstances, Simeone will have to hope his new arrivals have adjusted quickly to the league and are up to the challenge of facing Europe’s elite.
Against the likes of Las Palmas, the need for such an experienced figure such as García was not evident, nor in the impressive win against Sevilla last weekend. However, a tough run of fixtures in La Liga and European commitments in the Champions League are about to begin, where we will see Atléti face the likes of Barcelona, Valencia, Real Madrid domestically and, Galatasaray and Benfica in the Champions League Group Stage. These fixtures at such an early stage of the season will be tough and Simeone would have preferred to have the experienced and dependent García within his ranks.
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