Atletico Madrid Transfer Link with Edinson Cavani Spells End for Mario Mandzukic
Atletico Madrid love a South American-born striker.
In 2006 and 2007, respectively, Sergio Aguero and Diego Forlan arrived at the Vicente Calderon. When the pair departed in 2011, Radamel Falcao was the replacement. When the Colombian moved on, it was Diego Costa who rose to prominence.
For seven straight seasons following Fernando Torres' move to Liverpool, Atletico were spearheaded by ruthless South American-born forwards.
And it suited the club's identity perfectly. For there's a tenacity and edginess to the goalscorers from that part of the world that's endearing; their skill in front of goal is complemented by a certain ferocity.
Consider this group (and there are others): Aguero, Costa, Falcao, Edinson Cavani, Luis Suarez, Alexis Sanchez, Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain. They all share a unique set of attributes that are hard to find in strikers born elsewhere.
Atletico—the outfit historically stuck in Real Madrid's shadow that plays with a chip on its shoulder—has regularly been a perfect fit for that type of star.
And understandably, Atleti, under Diego Simeone, want to re-estbalish that lineage.
According to French newspaper L'Equipe, via Ian Holyman of ESPN FC, Simeone has identified Paris Saint-Germain's Cavani as the next cornerstone of his side. L'Equipe, typically renowned for the reliability of its news regarding PSG, adds that the capture of the Uruguayan striker is a condition for Simeone to renew his contract at the Vicente Calderon.
Late last month, the Atletico manager confirmed that contract negotiations had begun between himself and the club: "It's obvious that I'm very happy at this club, that I love Atleti very much and we're trying to continue this project that we started three years ago," the Argentinian said during a news conference when pressed on the matter.
But naturally, Simeone wants to continue building the "project" his way. In his image. Using his own planning and principles—the sort he immediately spelled out when he was appointed manager in 2011.
"I like an aggressive team," Simeone said at a news conference when unveiled as Gregorio Manzano's replacement. "I want to see a team that is strong, committed and quick on the break.
"These are things which Atletico fans have always liked, it helps them identify with and love this shirt," he added.
It was basically a mission statement, one he's followed throughout his tenure.
Strong, committed and quick on the break: That's Atleti's recipe for last season's success in a nutshell.
Obviously, Simeone wants that again.
Indeed, Costa's departure to Chelsea and Mario Mandzukic's arrival in 2014-15 has forced Atletico and their manager to change.
With their one-man counter-attack now residing at Stamford Bridge, Los Colchoneros are no longer a devastating force on the break. Instead, they've had to gradually transform themselves this season, utilising a press, more intricate passing and a high defensive line to cater for the less mobile Mandzukic.
In truth, Simeone's men have managed to make it relatively successful; that Atletico have maintained their presence near the very top of the Primera Division speaks volumes for how well they've adapted.
But the new approach, one they've been forced into, still isn't as effective as the old one. In attack, they're not as lethal. With a high defensive line, the gaps at the back are considerably bigger.
Compared to last season, Atletico are scoring less, conceding more and winning fewer points in the current campaign.
To rectify that, to recapture the club's previous modus operandi, Simeone wants another Costa. Another aggressive and mobile front man who allows Atletico to do what they do best: win the sparring in the middle and deliver the knockout blows on the break.
Mandzukic can never be that guy. Cavani can.
Interestingly, the news surrounding Cavani has coincided with Simeone appearing to deliver a message to Mandzukic.
"We need people who understand that nobody is more important than the team," the Argentinian said, via A.R. Barbero and L. Aznar of Marca, after his team's draw with Sevilla. It's a statement the two writers interpreted as criticism of the Croatian striker for his "sulk" and lack of intensity after being left out of Simeone's starting XI.
To understand the context, it's worth watching the video in the Marca article, as it highlights a number of instances in which Mandzukic failed to meet Simeone's notoriously demanding standards without the ball—and that's vitally important here.
At Atletico Madrid, unlike elsewhere, the manager holds complete power. Whereas coaches such as Luis Enrique and Carlo Ancelotti have to tread carefully with their biggest stars, Simeone doesn't have to worry. At Atletico, he is the biggest star.
At the Vicente Calderon, the message is clear: Fall in line behind "Cholo" or wave goodbye. Under Simeone, there's no room for individualism.
Thus, despite compiling an impressive season, Mandzukic suddenly feels like a stop-gap for Simeone and Atleti. He was the best available to them when they needed him, but it's still the Aguero-Falcao-Costa type they desire.
Naturally, many will point to Cavani's underwhelming scoring record in the French capital and suggest the Uruguayan isn't necessarily the answer. Honestly, the concerns aren't unjustified. Now 28 and two years removed from his best season at Napoli, there are doubts.
But is there a manager more capable than Simeone to turn that around? To help Cavani rediscover his best? To harness the chip that's likely on the forward's shoulder after being forced out wide to accommodate for Zlatan Ibrahimovic and turn it into motivation, a driving force?
It's hard to think there is.
Simeone would be perfect for Cavani. And Cavani, you envisage, would be perfect for Simeone.
Soon, Mandzukic might just be the odd one out.
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