Jan Oblak, the goalkeeper for Atletico Madrid, voiced his criticism of his team’s performance after their Champions League exit at the hands of Arsenal. Oblak stated that they did not demonstrate sufficient effort to defeat Arsenal and advance to the final. Despite his disappointment with the manner of their elimination, Oblak also expressed pride in the team’s overall development.
The seasoned Slovenian goalkeeper had previously expressed regret that Atletico did not secure a lead against Arsenal in the first leg at home before traveling to the Emirates Stadium. He admitted that his team’s efforts were insufficient to reach the final.
“I feel disappointed, like all the supporters. I am disappointed, sad, we didn’t do enough to be in the final. I don’t have any words honestly. Not a good moment for us. Pretty difficult moment, difficult to accept, but nice to live [experience] it, to regret. We had the opportunity to win, to do it, but we didn’t. All there is to congratulate Arsenal.”
‘We Had Too Much Respect for Arsenal, We Played Afraid’
Oblak was particularly critical of what he perceived as Atletico’s timid approach in the first half of both matches, as he shared with CBS Golazo. Atletico Madrid trailed at halftime in both legs and was unable to find an equalizer in London.
“In both games, the first half was not good enough. We had too much respect for Arsenal, and we were afraid to play. In the second halves, we did better, but it looks like we always wait for something to happen, to concede a goal, to wake up. But then it was too late today. Many times this season, the game has gone like that, and of course, we’re winning them, but not today. And it was the most important game of the season. We didn’t do our job.”
Oblak Proud of Development of Young Players
The past two summers have seen considerable squad turnover, with two-thirds of the team being replaced. Oblak’s tone softened when discussing the overall development of the team.
“It’s pretty good. The last two seasons, we changed a lot of players, 15 I think, a lot of young players without experience. They did great in the cup, now in the Champions League as well. In the league we were not good enough for these matches. I am proud, because they are growing, but in football, when you don’t win the title, and the goal is the title, you can never be happy. But there is a future, hopefully next season we can fight for this title.”
‘Everyone Is Going to Miss Griezmann’
The elimination also marked a somber end to Antoine Griezmann’s Champions League tenure with the club, as he is rumored to be considering a move to Orlando City this summer.
“I think everyone is going to miss Griezi, he’s an amazing player, amazing person, always smiling, always happy. He provides the magic on the pitch. I think we will all miss him, sad for him, sad for the Atletico fans, but of course I wish him the best, he deserves the best, for sure, everyone in Europe is going to miss him.”
Oblak, 33, is considered a senior figure within the Atletico squad and is next in line for the captaincy after Koke Resurreccion. He forms a long-term core of the team alongside Jose Maria Gimenez and Marcos Llorente, though the latter is also expected to depart this summer.