Netherlands forward Memphis Depay has criticised former coach Diego Simeone for how he handled his conditioning at Atletico Madrid. The 30-year-old has left the Metropolitano a year early and is on the hunt for a new club.
After joining from Barcelona midseason 18 months ago, Memphis looked as if he had shown enough to start this season as first-choice for Los Rojiblancos. Yet constant fitness issues hampered him this season, and when he was fit, he was used sparingly.
“I’ve been looking for that often this season, ninety minutes. Without a doubt it could have been better at the club where I played. My body needs minutes, I am explosive,” he told MD, during a Euro 2024 press conference.
🚨🇸🇰 David Hancko: “As an athlete, you have to try new experiences, and it would be good to take on an even bigger challenge in a larger competition. Things have been mentioned in the media, but I will first speak with my agent.” pic.twitter.com/A0jkWG3tB2
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It had been pointed out to Memphis that he had played 90 minutes for just the second time in 2024 against Austria in the Netherlands final group game.
“Maybe it would have been good to have less training minutes and more game minutes. I feel like I have more in my tank. I’ve also often decided duels in the last twenty minutes. So there is often more space,” Memphis commented.
It is not the first time that disagreements were hinted at over Memphis’ fitness programme at the Metropolitano. Leading into the winter months, it was reported that Memphis was following a programme not approved by the club, but his personal trainer, and the clash of the two impacted his fitness. Since arriving in Spain, he has been unable to remain available consistently.
