Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone spoke to the press ahead of Saturday’s return to club-level action in La Liga against Espanyol, as he admitted that he is still hurting from the defeats to Real Madrid and FC Barcelona from before the international break.
When asked about the two tough moments in the last week of action, he responded bluntly, saying, “no, one. It wasn’t two blows”.
“The penalty... we leave that one. It was one. We didn’t lose in the Champions League. We were eliminated,” he added, before going on to explain that, “I was hurt, very hurt the first few days. I don’t think there was justice in the first game. In the second we made a huge effort against Barcelona. The opponent’s ability made us go from 2-0 to 2-4. It was tough. I went to Argentina for a while to be with my family, to be in the place where I grew up...”
Simeone on the business end of the season
“The last five games decide the seasons. Those who reach these dates with options are the ones who will compete for the main objective.”
Simeone on Antoine Griezmann
“I think words are superfluous. We have talked too much about Griezmann. I’m not going to add anything to what we’ve already said.”
Simeone on César Azpilicueta
“César is extraordinary. He is a coach within a group of players, with the ability to see a lot of things about the team, the group, the situation we are going through all season. I am happy to have been able to share many things with him during this time. I’m sure that many things have helped us to improve as a coaching staff.”
Atletico de Madrid v Valencia CF - La Liga EA Sports Photo by Alberto Gardin/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Simeone on Espanyol
“La Liga is complicated anywhere, against any opponent. Everyone plays well. Some have more points, others have fewer points, some are more or less convincing. Espanyol competes very well, especially at home they played interesting matches: Bilbao, Madrid, Girona. We can see a very good collective work as a team and they are very clear about what they want to do.”
Simeone on managing priorities across competitions
“Knowing me, you know how I handle myself. In the match against Getafe, which we lost, we played with the players we felt were the best for now. The now is Espanyol and we will play the guys we think are better to take on the match.”
Simeone on fatigue
“For everyone, Giménez, Reinildo, Correa, Giuliano, Robin.... for everyone the international break was a positive change. It was good for them. To have gone out and had that situation after the match against Barcelona brings good energy.”
Simeone on Giuliano Simeone
“There are a lot of players who are growing and improving in teams in Europe. He has gone from less to more, he is growing from humility, working to adapt to what the team needs. The same thing happened with the national team. Let’s hope he continues with the same dynamic and passion to improve”.
Simeone on Koke
“We miss him in these matches. His importance within the team is there, for 20, 30 or 45 minutes. He won’t be there for this match. For Barcelona I hope he can be there. He is our captain and he is a very important player for us”.
Simeone on the schedules
“It doesn’t depend on us, people work to find the best for each team. It’s impossible to please everyone.”