José María Giménez returns to the Metropolitano, no fear clause

José María Giménez, a Deportivo centre-back, faces his return to Atlético Madrid this Wednesday at the Metropolitano, the stadium where he spent more than ten years. He spoke in a press conference with one clear goal: to give everything and try to spring an upset, taking the game “like any other” once the work is done.

On LaLiga, he pointed to the details that decide matches, admitting that against Sevilla they failed to handle it and paid for it. He also recalled a strong showing versus Real Betis, another moment they should have won at Getafe, and that in Anoeta they conceded “due to lack of attention”. Looking ahead to the weekend, he insisted the clash against Levante “cannot be one we let slip”. He added that, when he learned it would be a loan, he asked for the absence of a specific restriction: “I asked that there be no fear clause” so he could be available for all matches.

The Atlético meeting

He said he would not second-guess the coach over team selection, but stressed that everyone is ready “with all the illusion in the world”, while Atlético arrive on a positive run. Giménez also stays in daily contact with his former team-mates and believes they are strong: “They look strong… they know how to suffer and attack”, even after setbacks like a red card.

Affect and leadership

On the emotional side, he said he holds “a lot of affection” for the club and its supporters and expects a warm reception. He clarified that his time at Atlético is over: “My time is already finished.” He also discussed leadership in the dressing room, insisting that the captain should set the tone through example—“the first thing that enters is through the eyes”—based on his own past battles and lessons.