Joao Felix takes a swipe at Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone for his pragmatic style of play

Joao Félix and Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone have continued to trade blows in hidden messages since the striker’s loan to Chelsea, with the player recently criticizing the manager’s defensive style.

Praising Chelsea for their attacking and possession-based approach to games, Felix admitted he finally felt ‘free to play’ at Stamford Bridge after enduring a turbulent period at the LaLiga club under Simeone.

Félix joined Atlético for a club-record fee of £113m in 2019, but fell dramatically down the pecking order in the Spanish capital, scoring just seven starts in 15 LaLiga appearances this season before joining Chelsea.

Graham Potter’s side, who finally had reason to celebrate after their 1-0 win against Leeds at the weekend, have weathered a rough run in the Premier League this campaign, sitting 10th in the table and 11 points behind. of the Champions League. places.

Despite struggling for results, and starting his short-term loan spell with a three-match suspension, Félix has enjoyed his time at Stamford Bridge, praising Potter for his attacking style compared to Simeone.

The Portuguese star arrived on loan to the Blues in January after a torrid spell at the LaLiga giants

“It’s a different football, the league is different,” said the Portuguese star. AS. “The way teams play in LaLiga or in the Premier League is totally different.

“Chelsea is a team that likes to attack, have the ball, dominate the game. So that’s the game I like to play. I feel very free to play here and how I like it. I love it.’

Riding an eight-match unbeaten run in LaLiga, Atlético Madrid have also thrived since the departure of Félix, climbing to third in the table after a rocky start to the campaign.

The Spanish giants were out of title contention as soon as this season’s World Cup break, and Félix’s long-term future at Atlético could hinge on Simeone’s future.

The Argentine took charge of Atlético in 2011 and has been in the dugout for more than a decade, winning two LaLiga titles and two Europa League trophies during his time at Madrid.

“Every year they talk about him leaving, but he never leaves,” added Félix. ‘So I no longer believe anything that is said.

‘If he stays, very well; if he leaves, a lot of happiness for him, that everything goes very well for him. Only in June will we know what will happen.’

By praising Chelsea’s attacking style, Félix was in turn highlighting the flaws behind Simeone’s approach to football, which is particularly defensive and pragmatic compared to the styles adopted by top managers such as Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti. from Real Madrid.

These subtle hints between the pair have been common since Félix expressed his desire to leave Atlético, with Simeone attributing his team’s recent improvements to a lack of people in his dressing room.

Simeone urged that Atlético prospered due to the lack of people in his dressing room

Felix will be key for Chelsea as they look to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Dortmund on Tuesday.

While not explicitly referring to Félix, Simeone urged that Atlético’s team cohesion had improved dramatically since his departure.

‘I saw a change. The people were more united than other days and connected with the team. Connected. It was not the same as other parties. I saw the change.

‘Here there is no one more important than anyone. The important thing is Atlético de Madrid. I have to focus on the one that infects the team. When you have a group that plays the same game, it’s easier,” he said after his team’s 1-0 win against Athletic Bilbao last month.

Felix is ​​preparing for his biggest match at Stamford Bridge yet, when Potter’s side host Borussia Dortmund in their Champions League round of 16 second leg on Tuesday.