Helio del Busto, licensed football coach and sports analyst, reflects on Atlético de Madrid’s inconsistency, the motivation of their players and the importance of managing a squad correctly in a highly competitive football environment.
A heavy win that hides an irregular season
Xabi Alonso’s team were deeply disappointing in the Madrid derby, suffering a heavy 5–2 defeat against Atlético. Despite Atlético de Madrid’s enormous budget, this is more proof that money does not win matches. La Liga is a competition of consistency: you draw at home with Elche, you lose in Sarria… and every point dropped distances you further from your objectives.
In this derby, Atlético finally produced an outstanding performance, overwhelming and outscoring their eternal rival by a wide margin. But the truth is that their season has not been good.
I have said since the beginning of last season that the team is extremely irregular, with many draws that cost two points each and allow rivals to move ahead.
Motivation, performance and managing a winning squad
Atlético have played the Champions League for many years, which in itself is an achievement.
However, opinions among supporters vary greatly: they can beat Liverpool at Anfield and, when optimism is at its highest, year after year they are eliminated unexpectedly.
So why do they manage to thrash Real Madrid? Is it simply because the players are more motivated when facing their historic rival?
I believe a player must be motivated every match. There are no excuses. And I think the current squad is not being used to its full potential. Success comes when you can extract the maximum from each player.
Both squads —Atlético and Real Madrid— are filled with major signings. Yet the Spanish national team, built largely with modest players, is competing at the highest level: Olympic champions and European champions. That alone deserves reflection.
Managing a large, expensive squad is complicated. Barcelona, unable to sign players, have relied on their academy —and it has worked exceptionally well. That is why I say to Laporta: you win by not having money.
If the club had had a big budget, those extraordinary homegrown players would never have debuted. Fermín was valued at eighty million, yet he chose to stay, turning down higher wages elsewhere. That tells you how a squad should be built: knowing what you have and what your players can offer.
The coach’s responsibility
Football history shows how decisive a coach’s management can be. When Casillas emerged, Capello wanted another goalkeeper. Eighteen years later, under Mourinho, his situation was even more complicated. A goalkeeper considered the best in the world six times lost the confidence a player needs to perform at the highest level.
This is why I insist: a coach must be the player’s best ally to bring out their maximum potential.
Licensed football coach and sports analyst