Mahuel Molina sidelined as Atletico Madrid face backroom shake-up

The right-back, who suffered a thigh strain, has already started physiotherapy and rehabilitation work initiated with his national team's medical staff.

The injury rules Molina out of Atletico's clash against Alaves this Saturday, with further La Liga and Champions League matches also in doubt.

While Molina is expected to begin active recovery soon, he remains unavailable for the foreseeable future. Manager Diego Simeone will be relieved by the return of Marcos Llorente from his own injury, easing the impact of Molina's absence.

Meanwhile, significant changes may be brewing behind the scenes at Atletico. Andrea Berta, the club's sporting director since 2017, is reportedly considering stepping down.

Sources close to the situation suggest that Berta's role has diminished since the appointment of Carlos Bucero as General Football Director, a position introduced by CEO Miguel Angel Gil.

Berta, a key figure in Atletico's transfer strategy over the past decade, is said to be unhappy with the redistribution of responsibilities.

Bucero now liaises directly with Gil Marin, bypassing Berta in key decisions. This restructuring, coupled with similar changes under former executive Mateu Alemany, has left Berta dissatisfied, making his departure a likely scenario by the end of the season.

If Berta departs, Atletico will need to appoint a new sporting director to maintain continuity in their recruitment and academy operations. The potential exit of Julio de Marco, Berta's trusted deputy, could further shake up the club's scouting and youth development structures.

For Simeone and Atletico fans, Molina's absence and these boardroom uncertainties add to the challenges of navigating an already demanding season.

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