A 13-point lead over Barcelona and a place outside the Champions League at stake have put Atlético Madrid under pressure, as coach Diego Pablo Simeone acknowledged at a prior press conference. He noted that this Thursday at 21:30 the team will host Elche at the Civitas Metropolitano stadium. Simeone stressed that responsibility lies with the collective and highlighted the need for every segment of the club to show resilience this season, while also emphasizing that Joao Felix’s presence remains essential for the team’s qualifications.
“From a season that has swung from disappointing to ordinary, to today we are in a different phase. The outcome won’t hinge on individual names, as the squad is largely the same as last year, with a few young players who helped win the title in the 2020-21 season. The team misses TRipper and Suarez, yet the core is there. We’ve added Giménez, Savic, Hermoso, Carrasco, Lemar, Koke, Llorente, Correa, Joao, Griezmann, Morata, and Reinildo as defensive reinforcement. I believe the coach has faced more challenges than anything else,” Simeone said in statements collected by EFE.
“We possess a strong squad, with five standout players, three of whom have been central this season (Antoine Griezmann, Rodrigo de Paul, and Nahuel Molina) and reached the World Cup final. As the coach has indicated before, focusing on the team’s future was distant from the expectations set last summer.”
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“Let’s say perhaps the coach is the one who doesn’t hesitate, because there are quality footballers in the squad. Joao Felix impressed at the World Cup, and Carrasco and Witsel started multiple matches for Belgium. We have important players, and the task is to elevate their level in the league,” Simeone added.
When asked about the club’s unity across all levels, he touched on leadership and direction. Reports from El Chiringuito suggested there was pressure from the board to pursue winter departures, but Simeone reiterated the need for cohesion among players, staff, and management. He emphasized that the club must remain united and robust across every facet and that the recent years have reinforced that strength, regardless of individual squabbles.
“We need that strength in every area because we have shown it over the years and we hope to continue as we have during these eleven seasons,” the coach stated. He confirmed that Joao Felix would feature prominently as Atlético prepares for the Elche match, with the team aiming to restore competitive form in the Spanish league, though his future might lie elsewhere in the coming months.
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We followed Diego Pablo Simeone’s press conference live before Atleti-Elche, with a note from the club’s official channel: the content is captured as part of ongoing coverage of Atlético Madrid’s season.
JOAO IS TALENT AND THE TEAM NEEDS HIS QUALITY
“There is no certainty about whether the Portuguese attacker will depart during this January window. The coach lives day by day, focusing on solving the Elche match and selecting players he believes can win that game. That is the essence of the approach,” the technician explained in detail.
“The team matters most to me, and Joao Felix remains an important player for the squad. If he can translate the early World Cup form into league performances, his contribution could be crucial because he has the talent and the team needs his abilities.” Simeone also noted a constructive working relationship with Joao Felix.
“Since joining the club, differences are inevitable with many people we’ve worked with over the years. Still, the goal has always been the best for Atlético, ensuring every player gives his all. The objective is to maximize everyone’s contributions.” He added that personal disputes are common but the focus stays on maximizing performance for the club. He also noted that no discussions about players not at the club would be entertained at the moment, emphasizing loyalty to the squad and the value of current homegrown talent.