Maxi: Atlético Madrid Are Now A Mature Team

Atlético Madrid might have had a miserable start to this season but they have certainly turned things around lately, going unbeaten since mid-October to put themselves in third at Christmas.

Los Rojiblancos beat Espanyol 2-3 at the weekend to move above Valencia, and speaking to Marca today, the man who grabbed two goals in Barcelona, Maxi Rodríguez, spoke about the team.

"Right now, I see a very mature team with personality," he mused.

"After working with the same coach for three years it is noted that the team has identified with him and his ideas. Little by little we have become aware of everything we do, and everything we are capable of doing.

"We are conscious of the offensive power we have and we know that on most occasions, we are going to score, therefore the contribution of the defence is key."

Indeed, the defence has certainly improved recently, moving up from the struggling line that conceded six against Barcelona, to a strong looking unit. Maxi doesn't just blame that poor period of form on the back-line though, but rather on many things that happened around that time.

"I believe that various factors coincided; there were injuries, a small fall in the physical aspect, and also in the mental," he declared.

"Now the team has reached a very mature stage, with many desires, and is especially well mentally, that is vital for the players."

Atlético Madrid might have struggled in the league, but they have been in fine form in Europe, finishing second in their group behind Liverpool. Maxi said today though that once they beat Schalke they expected to get this far, and that they will be a difficult side to beat.

"Our progress may have surprised some, especially in Europe, where we have not competed for many years, but it did not surprise us," he opined.

"We are a tough team to beat with one of the best front-lines in Europe. Now we are in the knock-out stages of the Champions League a lot is said about difficult games, but I believe the most difficult game we played was against Schalke. We knew that if we managed to win that we would get this far."

Porto And Barcelona

Next up for the Spanish side are Porto, and whilst they were singled out as one of the worst sides in the draw, Maxi knows there are no easy matches at this stage.

"All the teams at this stage are difficult to beat," he said.

"We know we have to be very focused, because they have a lot of experience in this competition. In the end the opponent doesn't matter that much though, because we are the ones who have to play well and win."

Sooner than Porto though, Atlético face a tough test against Barcelona in the Copa Del Rey when they return from their Christmas break. After the humiliating result last time they met, and the form of the Catalan side, Maxi acknowledged it will be tough, but believes they have a chance.

"If we get through this round we will have a chance to win the tournament," he declared.

"Today Barcelona are the best team, but I believe we can do it. We always go out to do well, and there are 180 minutes that we should take advantage of. If we can win at home, and not concede any goals, then we will have the upper hand."

If Atlético are going to beat Barcelona, and indeed compete for the league and in Europe, they will have to become more consistent, as the captain admitted.

"Consistency is evading us. At times we have had good games against the big teams, and the next day we face a small team, and lose," he confessed.

"That cannot happen, we must have consistency throughout the year. When we obtain that, then we will be ready to fight for the Champions League."

James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com