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Atletico Madrid coach Javier Aguirre has said he is worried about the fitness of Argentina striker Sergio Aguero.

The 20-year-old, who is widely considered one of the most gifted players in La Liga, has been struggling with a lingering groin injury and has not looked sharp.

"This injury causes persistent pain. It doesn't stop you playing but if you overdo it, it eats away at your fitness and morale," Aguirre said in an interview with Spanish sports daily Marca.

"He is young and has just started dealing with it, but he doesn't have much experience. I want to protect him."

Aguirre added he had no intention of quitting despite home fans calling for his sacking after three consecutive defeats that have seen Atletico slip out of the top four and given them a mountain to climb to stay in the Copa del Rey.

Defeats away to Valencia and at home to Athletic Bilbao have dropped Atletico down to fifth in the league, and on Wednesday they travel to Barcelona needing to overturn a 3-1 deficit in the second leg of their last-16 Copa del Rey tie.

"It isn't easy because I feel helpless (when fans in the stadium chant for you to go)," said Mexican Aguirre.

"In a one-on-one in the street I could explain why I am not going to go, that there is a project, commitment and still a lot of enthusiasm in the Cup, the league and the Champions League.

"I still have much to do with Atletico."

Club president Enrique Cerezo called for patience from fans after Sunday's 3-2 defeat against Bilbao at the Calderon.

Reuters