Aguirre Admits Atletico Madrid Fans Right To Protest

Atletico Madrid supporters are notoriously difficult to keep happy, and after the complete capitulation at the hands of Athletic Bilbao at the Vicente Calderon today, they vented their displeasure at what they had just witnessed on the pitch.

Despite going ahead through an Antonio Lopez goal, Atletico somehow contrived to lose the match 3-2, with a scoreline that was more convincing in favour of Bilbao than it suggests.

The jeers could be heard after Barcelona had won at the Vicente Calderon on Tuesday night in the Copa Del Rey, and they continued today, and Aguirre admitted that the chants are hurtful to him.

He also said, however, that the fans are well within their right to criticise any below-par performance.

He told journalists, "Of course any defeat hurts, it hurts that the team did not play well, and it hurts that the fans are thinking of someone to replace me.

"But I understand that the people the right to their opinion, and I acknowledge that it was a horrible day."

Call For Calm

The coach has asked for the supporters to stay calm and that he has the support of the players and the board.

He continued, "We must restore our rhythm, and start picking up victories and gaining points again.

"I know I have the backing of the dressing room, just by training with them and talking to them. I have no evidence that any player is dissatisfied with me."

Despite the fact they are yet to pick up a victory in January, Atletico are in 5th place in the table, just five points behind city rivals Real Madrid who occupy second place.

Paul Macdonald, Goal.com



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