Diego Simeone has backed his players to respond to a shock LaLiga defeat to Real Mallorca against Porto in the Champions League next week.
Atleti are in fourth spot in LaLiga – seven points behind leaders Real Madrid – after the 2-1 loss at the Wanda Metropolitano on Saturday.
It was their first defeat on home turf against Mallorca since April 2006 and against a side who were winless in their previous seven LaLiga games.
Atletico also lost a LaLiga match at home after scoring the first goal of the game for the first time since a 2-1 loss to Barcelona in September 2015.
Atleti's attention will now switch to their final fixture in Group B against Porto on Tuesday where anything other than victory will see them exit the competition.
Simeone claimed the prospect of that fixture did not distract his side against Mallorca, and is confident this result will motivate his players in Porto.
"I have no doubt that surely this type of blows generates a reaction and we hope to find it on Tuesday," he told a news conference.
"I absolutely don't think [it distracted the players]. Specific situations couldn't be controlled. Two shots, two goals is what happened."
Matheus Cunha had put Atletico ahead but Franco Russo equalised before Takefusa Kubo, on loan from Atleti's rivals Real Madrid, slotted home in injury time.
Russo's header for Mallorca's equaliser was the ninth goal Atleti have conceded from a set-piece in LaLiga season and only Cadiz (11) have given away more which Simeone acknowledged was a worry.
He said: "We are concerned, we are concerned and we seek to work on it. We hope to find better results in the next matches.
"It is difficult to explain situations sometimes. There are moments when things flow and moments that are more difficult.
"We are going through a moment of this type. It is a difficult moment, but I trust the squad. The best thing is to have close matches to see if we can reverse the situation."
Atleti midfielder Koke believes the club's squad have enough wise, experienced heads to know how to recover quickly from the setback.
"We have to analyse it and improve many things. When we look at it coldly, we'll see what we have to improve," he added.
"We are older and we have the personality and character and we are international players who have lived through difficult times. We know that with work and more work we will get ahead."
Brentford sign goalkeeper Mark Flekken on four-year deal from Freiburg
Brentford have signed Netherlands goalkeeper Mark Flekken on a four-year contract.
The deal, which brings the four-times capped Flekken from Bundesliga side Freiburg, is subject to international clearance and work permit.
“We’re very happy to have signed Mark,” head coach Thomas Frank told the official Brentford website.
“He’s a player with a lot of quality who will strengthen our goalkeeper group.
“He has big experience and joins us after two great seasons with Freiburg, who have just had a top season in the Bundesliga, finishing fifth and qualifying for the Europa League.
“He was a big part of the team there and now he’s coming to us and will hopefully make the group better and the team better.
“He’s a very good shot-stopper and comfortable with the ball at his feet. His distribution is very impressive.”
Flekken began his career in his native Netherlands at RKVV WDZ and Roda before moving to Germany, where he has played for Alemannia Aachen, Greuther Furth, Duisburg and Freiburg.
The 29-year-old made his Netherlands debut in March 2022 and kept 13 clean sheets in 34 Bundesliga matches – the highest tally in the division last season.
Frank has said Brentford goalkeeper David Raya could leave the club this summer after four successful seasons in West London.
But Frank warned interested parties that it will cost them £40million to sign the 27-year-old Spaniard.
Aiden McGeady leaves Hibernian following injury-disrupted season
Aiden McGeady has left Hibernian at the end of an injury-disrupted season.
The 37-year-old winger moved to Easter Road last summer on a one-year deal but two long lay-offs restricted him to just 14 appearances, the majority of which came between December and February.
Hibs announced on Wednesday that McGeady, who said in January that he had contemplated retirement when he was sidelined in the first half of the season with a knee problem, would not be staying at the club.
“I’ve enjoyed my time at Hibs and wish the lads, supporters and the staff all the best for next season,” he told the Hibs website as news of his departure was confirmed.
The former Celtic, Sunderland and Republic of Ireland winger, who is currently recovering from a torn hamstring, will leave Easter Road along with defender Mikey Devlin – who has already agreed a move to Livingston – and goalkeeper Kevin Dabrowski.
Hibernian director of football Brian McDermott told the club’s website: “I would like to thank Aiden, Kevin and Mikey for their commitment and effort during their time with us. I wish them all the best for the future.”
On-loan quartet CJ Egan-Riley, Will Fish, Matthew Hoppe and Mykola Kuharevich are due to return to their parent clubs for the time being, although Hibs “are exploring the options to retain some of the loans”.
Football rumours: Tottenham and Newcastle after James Maddison and Harvey Barnes
Leicester’s James Maddison and Harvey Barnes, who have both been valued at around £40million, could stay in the Premier League while Leicester move down to the Championship.
Tottenham and Newcastle are both reportedly interested in the pair with a bidding battle to ensue over their signatures, The Sun says.
Tottenham’s have another competitor in the fight to sign former Barcelona and Spain manager Luis Enrique as Serie A Champions Napoli are interested in the 53-year-old, according to the Guardian.
The Daily Mail said Juventus were looking the most likely to sign Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic for a reported estimated transfer fee of around £20m.
Social media round-upPlayers to watchManu Kone: Liverpool are interested in the 22-year-old Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder – who is valued at around £34m – German media outlet BILD said.
Wilfried Gnonto: Italian media outlet Calciomercato said the 19-year-old Italy forward is being looked at by Premier League rivals Manchester City and Arsenal after Leeds’ relegation was confirmed.
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