Club chiefs refuse to make changes after captain slams pitch at £270m state-of-the-art stadium

Atletico Madrid captain Koke blasted the condition of the club’s pitch at the Metropolitano Stadium after defeat to Real Betis.

Former Manchester United winger Antony scored the only goal of the game to condemn the Rojiblancos to a 1-0 home defeat on Sunday.

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It proved a disappointing result for Diego Simeone‘s side, who lost more ground on top two sides Real Madrid and Barcelona.

They now trail city rivals Real by 12 points, and are a 13 behind LaLiga leaders Barca.

Adding insult to injury, the weekend defeat came just three days after Atleti had thrashed Betis 5-0 away from home.

The two sides met on in the Copa del Rey last Thursday, with £30million arrival Ademola Lookman getting a debut goal in the rout.

Koke: Atletico need a ‘top quality surface’

After Atletico failed to replicate their cup performance at home days later, skipper Koke claimed his team were unable to play their best due to the poor condition of the pitch.

The 34-year-old said: “Honestly, the pitch is not in good condition.

“We slip, the turf comes up… A team like Atletico needs the pitch to be good in order to play.

“We’re expected to perform at a high level, and we need a pitch of that level to be able to do so; a top quality surface.

“Being realistic, we have to play better.

“It’s not an excuse, but here we’re slipping, and the best conditions are like the pitch was the other day at La Cartuja.”

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While manager Simeone refused to blame the pitch directly for Atletico’s defeat, he insisted his players were the best judge of the surface.

The Argentine said: “I’m not a footballer. They’re the ones playing, and they’re the ones who know best.

“Games have always been played on good, normal pitches.

“It wasn’t a match we didn’t win because of the state of the grass.”

Atletico will have to wait until at least the end of the season for any changes to be made, despite eyebrows being raised over the Metropolitano’s playing surface.

Their pitch reportedly won’t be replaced until the current campaign finishes at the earliest.

AFP

Metropolitano Stadium: An overview

Originally an athletics stadium, in 2013 Atletico Madrid announced their plans to turn the Metropolitano into their new home ground.

In 2017, they moved into the 68,456-capacity venue after leaving the iconic Vicente Calderon Stadium.

The state-of-the-art venue hosted the 2019 Champions League final, when Liverpool beat Tottenham 2-1.

And the Metropolitano Stadium will once again play welcome the showpiece event, having bene confirmed as the host stadium for the 2027 Champions League final.