Diego Simeone addresses the importance of the Copa del Rey and the transfer window

Ahead of his team’s first Copa del Rey game of the 2025/26 campaign, Atlético de Madrid coach Diego Simeone previewed the game against Primera Federación side Atlético Baleares on Wednesday night.

“Thinking about tomorrow’s game, understanding the competition from where it starts is always complex. It always is,” Simeone told reporters on Tuesday. “The rivals are excited, (the big teams) have little interest in the competition, and when you realise that you are up for it, it’s too late and you can’t react, and there’s only one game at the opponent’s stadium.”

He also sought to praise Atlético Baleares, saying that “they played a great game against Espanyol, who are having a great season, and that’s very clear.”

Diego Simeone on Johnny Cardoso

“He was recovering from the injury he suffered in Barcelona. He had played against Inter as a starter and started against Barcelona, where unfortunately he suffered the injury and set back his recovery, preventing him from helping us in these games (against Athletic, PSV and Valencia). The best way to help him is for him to get well, and when he does, we need him.”

Diego Simeone on Matteo Ruggeri

“Every player wants to improve himself, and he’s no different. We show him images that we need to help him improve and help the team. He’s improving in certain areas, and hopefully he’ll continue to grow because we need everyone.”

Diego Simeone on the power of the Copa del Rey 

“It’s more seductive, single-match ties are more nerve-wracking and intense, and whoever makes a mistake is out. We have to take the game to where we can do damage.”

Diego Simeone on his wish for 2026

“Health, energy, and happiness.”

Diego Simeone on referees and Florentino Pérez’s latest criticisms

“I’m thinking about tomorrow’s game, and I’m not concerned with other situations that aren’t going to help at all.”

Diego Simeone on whether Juan Musso will start in the Copa del Rey

“We talk to the players. I’m not saying he’ll play the whole season. Anything can happen. He might not be able to play, he might get injured, I might make a mistake… We always take it game by game. I talk to them and sometimes I change players and you get it wrong.”

Diego Simeone on the importance of the youth academy

“It’s always good to have players from the youth academy. They bring with them a history with the club where they were born. Koke, Saúl, Lucas, Fernando Torres, or Barrios today, it’s always positive to be able to add that energy to the team.”

Diego Simeone on the transfer window

“There will always be concern among players and especially among agents. It’s their time to work, and with the World Cup coming up, many players will feel the need to show what they can do, to be there, but nothing guarantees you’ll go to another team (and play). We will be open to whatever may happen, whatever is best for the club and the players.”

Diego Simeone on whether Marc Pubill is a full-back or central defender

“I’m thinking of giving him continuity because he can play as a full-back, but I haven’t decided yet.”