Sitting third from bottom with only seven points and out of the Champions League, 2009/10 is already proving disastrous for Atletico Madrid.

After 11 matches in La Liga, Atletico would be hoping to be challenging for a top-four spot. Instead, they must endure the humiliation of a battle for survival.

Even with talent such as Sergio 'Kun' Aguero, Maxi Rodriguez, Diego Forlan and Raul Garcia, they seem to be on a downward spiral.

So what's gone wrong for a side who not so long ago were making noises about challenging for the title?

Firstly their refusal to give more time to whoever is in charge has done them no favours.

Despite leading them to fourth place (their highest since they won the title in 1996), Javier Aguirre was dismissed in February, leaving Abel Resino in charge. He managed to get Atletico on a good run which secured a second year with Champions League football.

But poor results at home and abroad this campaign led to the inevitable and it is now up to Quique Sanchez Flores to restore some respectability.

Flores understands the dangerous predicament Atletico are in and realises the only way to turn it around will be by getting results on the park.

He said: "We're here to connect with the players and the goal right now is to relaunch the team, which has enough elements to be among the best in Spain and Europe.

"There's no time for speeches, but plenty of time to work on the fundamental aspects of the team, which are the physical, tactical and emotional aspects."

His immediate goal will be to steer Atletico away from the drop zone and secure a Europa League spot via the Champions League, which they are more than capable of doing.

The problem will be without Champions League football next season they may be forced to lose major assets like Aguero and Forlan to balance the books.

And unless confidence is restored, this is the stark reality the supporters will have to face.

The Atletico players, especially Aguero, need to stand up and be counted.

They must shoulder the responsibility and look at themselves as to why they are performing so badly at this time.

There is no doubt they have the squad capable but after Saturday's defeat to Deportivo you do wonder whether they can get on of this mess.

There are, though, hints of a squad determined to make amends - and Forlan realises the lots of hard work is needed.

He said: "We are all aware of the situation. What we have to do is fight so that the team becomes what it was before. We are the same players and we want to take hold of what Quique (Sanchez) wants of us as soon as possible."

Forlan, for one, has disappointed this season.

After 32 goals last year, the Uruguayan has only managed four strikes this time around though that can be put down partly to being asked to play in a much deeper role.

Forlan is pivotal in improving Atletico's fortunes and as one of the more experienced members of the squad, he must improve his performance level. After recently agreeing a new contract he must now reward those who have shown faith in him.

Next up for Atletico is Espanyol at the Vicente Calderon.

After that they face three sides in a similar position to them - Xerez (away), Villareal (home) and Tenerife (away). The next month will tell us a lot about the ambitions Atletico harbour this year.

A good run-up to Christmas and they still have a realistic chance of a top-six finish.

But if results do not go their way then the pressure will intensify and it will take strong characters to deal with the mass hysteria that will await them.