Witsel, again absent from a derby: Superstition or tactical decision by Simeone?

That is well known Diego Pablo Simeonecoach of Atlético de Madrid He is a technician who is obsessive about his profession. As he himself has pointed out on many occasions, his insistence on every detail leads him to change a lineup, a position, even a few hours before a game after working on another in the previous days.

Therefore, when the Athletic leave Madridfrom the last training session conducted on Majadahonda Sports City, and a tactical test was conducted where what would be a real surprise was revealed, the absence of a player who had been key for the team. Cholo the whole time.

We are talking Axel Witsel. The Belgian, center back, midfielder, whatever it takes, is Simeone’s unexpected bet in the current campaign. Compared to a previous season where he had a lot of fame, but he also alternated between substitutes and starting positions – even in the middle of the season he expressed his discomfort due to the lack of games -; the present has been a ‘rush’ of matches for him.

Saving the first match of the course, before the pomegranate, allowed by cards accumulated from the previous season, the player was present in each of the subsequent games – 25 in total – as a starter, except one. Yes one. Curiously, it’s the derby Athletic debated then real Madrid on September 24 at Metropolitan. The Belgian came on at half-time of that match

But, to understand the scale and importance of Witsel here in Athletic of this season, it is enough to point out not only the fact that he was a player in all the available games, but also that he was a starter in 96% of the games, but that he was only substituted in three of the 24 games where he started.

FAITH OR TACTICAL DECISION?

Now comes the question, if this is true Cholo consider giving him a rest at the start for the derby against Spanish Supercup, acquires a unique dimension. Is it just a coincidence that the two games are against real Madrid won’t start? Tactic to deceive Ancelotti in a test that cannot be fulfilled? Does the decision involve something in the game itself? Superstition?

In the latter case, it may sound strange, but the truth is that Simeone is very superstitious. The cabal has to do with their signings, their decisions, the strength and spirit of the footballers, not just the talent, it’s important. That’s why it won’t be strange to win without either Witsel as a starter against Randin Madrid It is not only about sports, but also about luck.