He spoke before the game against Alavés.
Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone previewed Sunday’s La Liga game against Alavés in his latest pre-match press conference, but much of the talk centered on the ongoing transfer window, which has already seen four players leave the Estadio Riyadh Air Metropolitano, with no incomings.
When asked about whether he would like to recover the 24-man squad that he had available at the start of the season, Simeone replied coyly.
“We talked about it with Mateu (Alemany), Carlos (Bucero), and Miguel (Ángel Gil Marín), and we’re working on what I always say: quality over quantity,” Simeone said. “They know me, they know that I take each game as it comes, trying to focus as much as possible on tomorrow’s opponent, and from there, we behave with only tomorrow’s game in mind.”
Simeone insisted on focusing on the match itself, explaining “it’s a game in which we’ll be back with our fans, whom we haven’t seen for a month, so we need everyone’s support, we want to play a good game.”
Diego Simeone on the exits
“We are working according to what the team needs. When something comes up that the club and we are thinking about, we will say so.”
Diego Simeone on the defence
“Both José (Giménez) and Robin (Le Normand) have had their injuries, and at the same time, Marc (Pubill) and (Dávid) Hancko have taken advantage of the opportunity. Robin and José know how to wait, just as Marc and Hancko had to wait in their time. But we trust all four of them because they are important players.”
Diego Simeone on Antoine Griezmann
“What more can I say? It’s about adding reality and the present. He’s always been a player who stands out, with a different level of skill than the rest. Talent is never lost. We need him. How much? As much as the team gives him, the needs that the coach sees in this case, what he can give. Maintaining all the enthusiasm he transmits. Because when he’s doing well, he always gives important things to the team.”
Diego Simeone on Giuliano’s contract renewal and whether his will follow
“The important thing is what happens to Giuliano. His renewal is well deserved. It’s the result of tremendous personal effort, especially given that he’s in a difficult position, being the coach’s son. He’s earned it through hard work, humility and perseverance, and we’re going to demand even more from him because he still has more to give. Personally, I have nothing to say, I’m still thinking about each game as it comes.”
Diego Simeone on Thiago Almada
“Like his other teammates. He’s ready to compete and excited to be able to do his best to get more minutes.”
Diego Simeone on 18 coaches at Madrid and Barça over his 14 years at Atleti
“I can’t go into so many individual details, because every situation is different, every club. I’m lucky to have always had the opportunity to be in the same place for so many years. The only thing I ever think about is tomorrow.”
Category: General Sports
