Simeone optimistic after Atlético’s 2-1 defeat: "Very good things were seen"

Simeone optimistic after Atlético’s 2-1 defeat: "Very good things were seen" originally appeared on The Sporting News

Atletico Madrid’s 2-1 loss to Espanyol has concerned some Atleti fans as the season begins in La Liga. This is the first time Diego Simeone has lost the first match in a La Liga season as Atletico Madrid manager.

Simeone’s team conceded two goals in ten minutes late in the second half. After the match against Espanyol, Simeone recognized the loss being a tough start to the new season, but he became optimistic for what is ahead as he took positives from the game.

The manager assures that he will take some good aspects of the game against Espanyol, as he believes his team took control of the majority of the game.

Diego Simeone: “We lost the match, but there were very good things seen...We  took control of the game until the 70th minute... Football is marvelous. From a set piece, it’s 1-1, and then the 2-1 arrives as the goal is taken well from the opponent.”

Simeone also believes the result will help the team for the long term, as the season has just started. Atletico will make their home debut next weekend against promoted side Elche.

Diego Simeone: “I understand it’s part of the journey. This result hurts us, but it will help us improve and grow. I take with me all the good things the team did. We’ll look to reduce the shortcomings that were also evident.”

A player who was very disappointed with the result was Pablo Barrios, who openly expressed frustration with the defense. The Spanish midfielder refers to problems that follow the team from last year, where Atletico Madrid lost control of games and leads.

Pablo Barrios: “We didn’t expect the game to slip away from us like that. Surely we have to improve something in defense. Both goals could have been avoided. I don’t know what’s missing. It’s something that comes from last year. We start matches very well and then we sit back, and in the end, it slips away from us.”

Atletico Madrid have two games left before the September international break. After the home game against Elche is upcoming weekend, Atleti will play Deportivo Alaves at the Estadio Mendizorroza.