Atletico Madrid on Top 100

Top 100 First Take: Gav Harmer on Atletico's Ambition

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 11:13:42 +0100

Podcast Episode Summary

In the inaugural episode of the Top 100 podcast series, host Regan Thompson chats with Atlético Madrid manager Gav Harmer, a “real life legend” and “veteran of the game” who is part of the 1,000-game club.

Gav reflects on Atlético Madrid’s heartbreaking end to last season, where they missed out on a playoff place due to an 89th-minute goal from Tyrone Mings — “in the last minute of the game”. Despite the setback, he remains optimistic for the future, saying his side is “starting to get better, get bigger, bigger ratings” and that “things are looking good.”

The conversation then turns to key player movements:

The successful acquisition of Pedro, now “banging them in for Chelsea.”
The “big move” of Ilya Zabarnyi to PSG, with his stock expected to rise quickly.
Angelo Stiller, described as “too good for Stuttgart.”
Robert Sánchez, who has regained his “number one spot” at Chelsea.

Looking ahead, Gav recognises the tough competition awaiting in Division Two. Strong sides like Sporting Lisbon, Espanyol, Tottenham, and Cologne have all come down from Division One, while clubs like CSKA Moscow and Augsburg are coming up from Division Three.

His strategy is firmly focused on developing his current squad, explaining he’s “very happy with the team” and doesn’t expect much transfer activity “unless something major happens.” He likens the journey to “taking two steps back to take one forward.”

The episode wraps up with Gav praising the community spirit and offering a big thank you to David Marsden for his “absolutely fantastic” work on the archive.

Very Brief Timeline Guide

The Near Miss: Atlético Madrid’s playoff heartbreak and the infamous Tyrone Mings last-minute goal.
New Season Challenges: Insights into strong relegated sides from Division One, new arrivals from Division Three, and big transfer moves (Pedro, Zabarnyi, Stiller, Sánchez).
Future Outlook: Gav’s development-first strategy, his “two steps back” philosophy, and appreciation for community contributions like David’s archive.

A Celebration to remember in Madrid

Sat, 02 Nov 2024 21:20:38 +0100

Atlético Madrid Celebrates Youth Shield Victory with Unforgettable ParadeIn a dazzling display of pride and celebration, Atlético Madrid’s youth team paraded through the streets of Madrid on an open-top bus after clinching the coveted Youth Shield.

The atmosphere was electric as fans gathered to cheer on their young champions, a testament to the club’s commitment to nurturing talent from the ground up.

The parade kicked off at the iconic Metropolitano Stadium, where players and staff were met with an enthusiastic crowd. As the bus rolled through the city, chants of “Atleti!” filled the air, uniting supporters of all ages in a jubilant celebration of the club’s achievements. Among the highlights of the day was manager Gav Harmer, who made headlines not only for his leadership but for his celebratory antics.

In a lighthearted moment, Harmer raised the Youth Shield trophy high, taking a sip of champagne straight from it, much to the delight of fans and players alike. This playful gesture symbolized the joy of victory and the unity within the team.

As the bus approached the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the atmosphere shifted to one of playful rivalry. In a cheeky move that captured the spirit of the day, Harmer decided to pull a moonie—flashing his backside—outside the home of rivals Real Madrid. This spontaneous act was met with laughter and cheers from the fans, embodying the competitive yet friendly nature of football in the city.

The parade concluded with a gathering in front of the Metropolitano, where players and coaching staff took to the stage to express their gratitude to the supporters. Harmer emphasized the importance of youth development in the club’s philosophy, reminding everyone that these young talents are the future of Atlético Madrid.

As the sun set on a memorable day, the celebration not only honored the achievement of the youth team but also strengthened the bond between the club and its passionate supporters. Atlético Madrid continues to stand as a beacon of hope and talent in Spanish football, and with moments like these, the future looks incredibly bright.May or may not of happened 😜

BUILDING A LEGACY BY GAV

Sat, 02 Nov 2024 20:58:34 +0100

Managing a club like Atlético Madrid in Top100 is not just about winning matches; it’s about constructing a sustainable future. I've guided my team through seasons, understanding the importance of long-term planning and player development is crucial. Let's explore how I've built my club while integrating some exciting new signings, including Nusa, Adam Wharton, Reis, Diego López, and Noni Madueke.

The Foundation:

Club Philosophy and VisionFirst, it’s essential to establish a clear club philosophy. Atlético Madrid is known for its strong defensive organization and resilience, so it's vital to adopt tactics that reflect this identity. As a manager, I focus on developing a playing style that not only aims for immediate success but also aligns with the long-term vision of the club.Investing in Youth and TalentOne of the most significant aspects of managing Atlético Madrid is the emphasis on scouting and nurturing young talent. The signings of Nusa, Adam Wharton, Reis, Diego López, and Noni Madueke should be seen as strategic moves to build a robust squad for the future.Nusa: A talented winger with incredible potential, his ability to stretch the play will be invaluable. Invest in his development, focusing on skills like crossing and dribbling, to ensure he becomes a cornerstone of your attack.Adam Wharton: This young midfielder has the potential to become a key player. By providing him with consistent first-team action and mentoring, we can help him develop into a midfield general who embodies

Atlético’s fighting spirit.

Reis: Known for his versatility, Reis can play in various positions. Utilize his adaptability to strengthen our squad depth, especially in crucial fixtures where rotation is necessary.

Diego López: A skill full winger , he offers stability in attack . While focusing on his training, we are integrating a young player to challenge for the position in the future, ensuring a smooth transition in our squad as he evolves.

Noni Madueke: His flair and creativity will add a new dimension to our attacking play. I Encourage him to express himself on the pitch while instilling a strong work ethic to fit into Atlético’s tactical framework.

Strategic Transfers and Financial Management

When managing our finances, i always prioritize sustainability. While it may be tempting to splash cash on high-profile signings, focusing on developing players and making smart acquisitions will ensure financial health. I Monitor my club's financial situation closely. Selling surplus players or those who don’t fit in my long-term plans this can free up funds for future investments. Additionally, fostering relationships with our youth academy will provide a steady stream of talent and reduce reliance on the transfer market.

Community and Culture

A successful club is built on a strong community. Engaging with fans and promoting a positive club culture will enhance morale both on and off the pitch. We Host community events, invest in local talent, and maintain an open dialogue with our supporters to build loyalty and support for our club.

Conclusion

Managing Atlético Madrid in Top100 is a rewarding challenge that goes beyond tactics and match outcomes. By prioritizing player development, strategic financial management, and community engagement, i'm creating a legacy that will endure for years to come. Embracing the responsibility of building not just a team, but a thriving club that upholds the values of Atlético Madrid. With the right approach, and signings like Nusa, Adam Wharton, Reis, Diego López, and Noni Madueke can pave the way for future successes, ensuring that our club remains competitive at the highest levels.

Atlético future transfers

Mon, 24 Jun 2019 10:18:14 +0100

July 13th. Leandro Paredes to Atlético, Arne Maier and Emmanuel Dennis to Manchester United.

July 24th. Jean-Paul Boetius to Atlético, João Miranda to Leicester City.

Atlético Madrid: The Future is Now!

Sat, 30 Mar 2019 20:21:42 +0100

After a tough return season to Division 1, Atlético are preparing for an even bigger challenge as they place the fate of their team in the hands of a new, young core of the squad.

A new attacking front four of Felipe Anderson, Douglas Costa, James Rodriguez and Mario Mandzukic has helped ease the pain of the departures of Jorge Koke and Mauro Icardi. However, these 4 aren't who Earle is placing the future of the club on. Instead there are 7 players that Earle is expecting to step up and take the club forward into its new era. These players are Gianluigi Donnarumma, Matthijs De Ligt, Dayot Upamecano, Clement Lenglet, Nicolo Barella, Rodrigo Bentancur and Maxi Gomez.

Having already spent 3 full seasons at Atlético, Gianluigi Donnarumma has established himself as one of the clubs most reliable players. Due to this, he has been named the club captain for the forthcoming season.

Gianluigi Donnarumma

Aged just 20, Donnarumma is already on of the top keepers around and averaged a rating of 6.74 last season for Atlético. He has also made 43 appearances for Italy, helping them to the semi-final of the Australian World Cup.

Matthijs De Ligt

In front of Donnarumma will be one of the toughest fights in the squad. Having signed Matthijs De Ligt from Arsenal, fans thought that he and Dayot Upamecano would be the two starting centre backs for the upcoming season. However, a shock move for Clement Lenglet means that the spots are far from safe. It is likely that the 23-year-old will be a starter due to Earle preferring a left footed player at the left-centre back position. Lenglet arrived at the Spanish capital from Roma and, despite being only 23, is the most senior centre back option in the squad. Although he is the oldest option, Earle believes that Lenglet could be a key member in the squad as they move forward as he can offer guidance to De Ligt, 19, and Upamecano, 20. With that said, the two youths are also being touted as two of the clubs most promising players. Despite their age, both will be expecting to be first team regulars, but with Lenglet likely to start, only one of the others can take a spot. Upamecano arrived early last season but left a lot to be desired from his performances. The Frenchman has attracted interest from other clubs during the pre season but Earle rejected these approaches as he believes the 20-year-old will be able to improve this season and play a major role in the clubs development. With both Lenglet and Upamecano being French, there is potential that a very strong partnership could be formed between the duo. In the way of that partnership stands Matthijs De Ligt. Signed in a mammoth deal from Arsenal at the end of last season, De Ligt was also far from impressive in his 12 games. An average of 6.08 was poor and 2 red cards meant he missed some games and that he will be unavailable for the opening game of the season. But that didn't stop Earle from calling him the highest potential player in the squad. At just 19, De Ligt offers a solid and trustworthy option at the back and is expected to be selected ahead of Upamecano once available. However, all 3 offer world class potential and will be expected to produce top performances this season.

The midfield will also be controlled by a new partnership this season. After starting last season as back up to Roberto Gagliardini and Luis Pizzi, Rodrigo Bentancur will now be the first choice in the centre of the pitch. The Uruguayan started 15 games last season and made a further 12 appearances off the bench. The 21-year-old has shown steady improvement since arriving from Manchester City and is now expected to control the game for Atlético. He has previously been called "a star in the making" by Earle who has made it clear that he is not available to leave for any price. Bentancur has already proven himself an important member of the Uruguay international team, making 15 appearances already. Next to him in midfield will be new arrival Nicolo Barella. Joining as part of the sale of Jorge Koke, there is a lot of expectation on the Italian. Barella made 3 appearances at the end of last season but couldn't display much of his true talent due to the struggle of the team as they closed out the season. However, moving forward, Earle expects that the 22-year-old will become one of the stars of the team and will hope that Barella can repay the faith shown in him over the coming season.

Maxi Gomez

With the loss of Mauro Icardi, many fans were left wondering who could step in up front. For the short term that responsibility falls to Mario Mandzukic. However, the longer term choice will be Maxi Gomez who is waiting to arrive from Juventus. The Uruguayan forward has spent the last 4 seasons developing at Zagreb. During that time he started 81 games netting 33 goals and assisting 13 more. This form earned him a move to Juventus who loaned him back to Zagreb to finish the season. Gomez is set to join Atlético at the end of April but will join Monaco on loan until then. Depending on his form, Earle has said he will not be shy to throw the 22-year-old into the starting line up, pushing Mandzukic onto the wing and Anderson onto the bench.

While these 7 offer first team options, the squad is bursting with young talent waiting for their opportunities to impress. It is expected that Noussair Mazraoui will be given game time at right back in cup games after showing promising signs in the youth tournament last season. Lukas Klostermann will also expect to pick up game time after impressing Earle in his 9 appearances last season. New signing Mario Hermoso will also put pressure on the centre back options after arriving from Fenerbahce. Youth options in the midfield are also impressive with Arne Maier and Amadou Haidara eager to develop in the youth cup. The same cannot be said for Florian Neuhaus or James Maddison who will need to rely on cup competitions for game time now that they are senior squad members, Earle has said that both could be used or may be available for loan. Goncalo Guedes will also be keen to improve on last season after he managed just 1 goal and 1 assist in the league in a total of 37 appearances. Looking further down the youth squad there is a huge amount of potential ready to prove itself, all the way down to the teams youngest player Naci Unuvar. Aged just 15, Unuvar attracted interest from over 25 teams but opted to join Atlético due to the clubs new focus on youth.

Naci Unuvar

A New Direction at Atletico!

Tue, 05 Jun 2018 21:20:00 +0100

After their relegation from Division 1, Atletico Madrid seem to have completely changed the squad structure and their approach to the forthcoming season. Many expected the plan would be to bring in some more top players to immediately return to the top league. However, this isn’t what has happened. While the team are targeting promotion, a long-term project has been started with the introduction of several high potential youths who can also have an impact on the first team. The club has maintained a high-profile squad whilst also implementing improved depth with huge ability for the future. Since arriving, Earle has seen close to 20 players depart with over 15 arriving, which makes sense seeing as he won the Wheeler Dealer Manager Award for last season. Fans have had mixed feelings about the new direction, but the club are certain that they will be successful.

The Season to Come.

Whilst Atletico have one of the strongest squads in the league, Earle is also aware that several other teams will be right up with them challenging for the title and promotion spots. Wolfsburg, AC Milan and Borussia Monchengladbach have all been identified as their biggest competitors but Earle has also acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the league.
“Sure they have very strong squads at this point of the season, as do we, but that means nothing if the mentality and cohesion isn’t right. It would also be foolish to think they are the only teams who will challenge this season, Benfica are always improving, Ajax have a good looking team, and Hertha Berlin are going for their fourth consecutive title! And there are gonna be 13 other teams all looking to beat us week in week out and challenge all the way through the season, so to focus on a few, and think this will be an easy season, is the complete wrong attitude”.
Atletico will kick off their season against newly promoted Galatasaray SK at the Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid. Earle has said it’s a fairly good opener in front of their home crowd but will be wary of the threats that the Turkish side have. Zenit (away), Valencia (away), Genoa (home) and Monchengladbach (away) make up the opening games of the season for Los Colchoneros. The domestic draws have also been tough as Earles side will face fellow Division 2 sides Villarreal and Genoa in Round 1 of the Cup and Shield. The team are also set to enter the World Club Cup and Youth Cup for the upcoming season.

The Ins and Outs.

One of Earles first challenges was to open up space within the team to allow for his planned arrivals. This saw seven members of the youth squad sold within a few days. These included Tony Ralston, Srdjan Babic and Hugo Keto.

The first major deal to be agreed certainly highlighted the clubs new direction as Bernardo Silva and Lucas Hernandez were sold to Juventus in exchange for five new additions. The biggest name arriving from Italy was Goncalo Guedes. The 21-year-old is being tracked by some of the biggest teams around but was glad to join Atletico where he could potentially break into the first team. Mahmoud Dahoud, Lucas Tousart, Barberan Maycon and Martin Terrier, all also switched to the Spanish side and have completely reshaped the youth squad.

Earle was quick to add further first team and youth depth with the sale of Paco Alcacer to his former side Espanyol in exchange for Abdoulaye Doucoure, Ezequiel Barco and Andriy Lunin. Alcacer

made 27 appearances last season but it wasn’t enough to keep him at the club. Doucoure will add further support to the midfield while Barco and Lunin were both favourites of Earles in his time at Espanyol. The dealings with his former side didn’t stop there, however, as Atletico swooped in to sign 30-year-old Marwan Hitz in exchange for Nicoals Schiappacasse, Phillip Menzel and Bozhidar Kraev. The Swiss was also signed by Earle at his former club but made just one league appearance. Many have questioned the move but his new manager has come to the defence of Hitz, claiming how important he will be to the club.
“We have a great goalkeeping situation at the moment. Gianluigi (Donnarumma) is one of the top keepers around and is still not even 20. Andriy (Lunin) is another who has been improving massively recently and, again, hasn’t even hit 20 yet, and neither has Filippo (Marricchi). Having such a young set of keepers has positives and negatives, Marwan (Hitz) brings a whole new dimension to that. He can act as a tutor to them and they can learn from his experience. I’m also aware that anyone can go through a tough patch so having extra cover between the sticks is always a huge boost to the team”.
Standard Liege were able to sign John Stones and Julian Draxler after both were deemed excess by Earle. In exchange Matias Vecino and Hector Bellerin joined along with youth forward Emmanuel Dennis. Bellerin will fill a vacant spot at right back which had been half-heartedly filled by Jose Gimenez last season, the Uruguayan will now be played in his preferred role along side Aymeric Laporte at centre back.
This decision left Shkodran Mustafi considering his future. The German was a key member of the squad last season but wasn’t happy with a reduced role and was made available. There was strong interest from Liverpool, FC Porto and Roma but the 26-year-old will join AS Monaco. A key aspect of the sale was to bring in a replacement defender who would be happy to play a lesser role within the team. Milos Veljkovic fit that role well and has already worked with Earle during his time at Espanyol. The 22-year-old will likely act as the 4th choice centre back behind the starters and Andreas Christensen. Martin Montoya will also move to Madrid. The ability to play as a right back and left back will make him a useful acquisition and the 27-year-old could put pressure on Hector Bellerin and Jose Luis Gaya for a starting spot. The deal will also see Andreas Pereira head to Spain. He has also worked with Earle before and has a good relationship with the Englishman. His move wont be completed until mid-season but he will be on loan until then.
Theo Hernandez joined Draxler and Stones at Liege after the Belgians tabled an impressive offer. Mouctar Diakhaby, Arne Maier and Ferreira Evander will all bolster the Madrid youth squad after moving in exchange for the left-back. Earle has said Diakhaby will be key to the youth cup team while Maier could also play an important role.
FC Midjylland has sold Mads Thychosen to Atletico for £600,000. The 20-year-old can play anywhere on the right making him a useful addition. It is expected that he will compete with Robert Gumny for the starting right-back spot in the youth team.
Earle wasn’t done in the market and has now made a move which he has called his biggest risk in the market so far. Christian Pulisic will become a member of Earles new build. The 19-year-old has only made 2 league appearances in four seasons for Bayern but will be a key member of the first team in Spain. Bayern will receive Mateo Kovacic, Luka Jovic and Manu Garcia for Pulisic making it one of the biggest fees Earle has ever paid for a single player but he feels it will be worth it.
“Christian (Pulisic) is a great player and has an amazing future ahead of him. We’re giving a lot for a fairly unproven player but he will have my full support while here. I expect he will be able to make a big difference and his arrival will be a boost to the whole squad”.
This looks to be Earles final deal as he now has a squad which he believes is fully capable to compete for the league while maintaining a young starting squad.

Season Targets.

The chairman of the club has said he expects an immediate return to Division 1. A target which Earle has agreed is realistic.

“With this squad, we should be achieving promotion. But its a new environment for a lot of these players and we will be putting a lot of faith in some fairly inexperienced lads, but I think they will cope and I think they will handle it well”.

While league targets are high, Earle has said that the Cup and Shield aren’t of major importance this season and he wont be willing to jeopardise success in the league for either competition. He has also said that there is no pressure on the players in the World Club Cup, but that it is more an opportunity for them to impress him and potentially move up in the pecking order.

There is one other competition that Earle is keen to do well in. And that is the Youth Cup. After having to build a squad from scratch at Espanyol, Earle was very happy with the youth side he inherited at Madrid. Add into that the new signings and there is a good chance at a strong fight for the Under 21s. Gianluigi Donnarumma has been named as the youth captain despite being linked with a move away from the club. However, Earle has now said that the Italian is almost certainly going to remain at Atletico.