The Atlético de Madrid coach gave an interview on El Partidazo de Cope, where he outlined his view of the current state of the squad and the path ahead. He reflected on a winter departure and a rough start to the season, contrasting that with a strong second half that boosted the club’s standing.
Simeone’s statements
Looking at his exit from the club, he noted that every season brings tough moments. He acknowledged the first four months were the hardest he has faced, largely due to issues in the Champions League and inconsistent team performances. He emphasized that the focus was never on the outside noise; instead, attention went to what mattered for improvement. The players bought into the plan, reconnected with a clear style of play, and the season closed on a positive note. The team’s struggles were tied to injuries, but with fewer knocks, the squad reclaimed form. He highlighted contributions from Antoine Griezmann, whose form improved, as did Memphis Depay, Morata, and Correa, with De Paul and Carrasco making significant impacts. He also praised Naturel and the collective goals that followed, hoping to build on that momentum moving forward.
From the second half of the season, he pointed to meaningful gains. He cited key injuries to central defenders and the growth of players like Oblak, Nahuel, and Koke as turning points. Griezmann found exceptional form, and Alvaro Morata reached a familiar scoring tally, while Griezmann’s continued involvement elevated the team’s performance.
On the tactical setup, he defended the choice to operate with five defenders as a long-term decision shaped by the squad’s needs. He argued that football naturally adapts to circumstances and that the emphasis should be on results, not stylistic debates. The objective remains simple: the team must perform and compete, irrespective of how the lineup is described.
Regarding Joao Felix, he affirmed that the player remains under Atlético’s umbrella. If a move to another club becomes a possibility, the door would open for Felix to work with Atlético again. He praised Felix’s talent, intelligence, and potential, noting injuries had interrupted his rhythm. The coach stressed that the current team is enjoying a spell of good form and believed Felix would thrive if given the chance to contribute again. He also acknowledged Felix’s youth and bright future, suggesting that whether with Atlético or another club, the player’s development would progress in a similar fashion.
On the broader situation at Barcelona, the coach observed signs of progress. He noted improvements in defensive organization and the quality of the overall play. Xavi’s methods provided tools that strengthened Barca’s defense, and the coach mused about the value of maintaining compact defense while seeking efficiency in attack. The balance between defense and attack was highlighted as a defining factor in their recent success, with Lewandowski and a solid defensive spine contributing to Barcelona’s performance.
As for Atlético’s league prospects, he framed Real Madrid and Barcelona as the standard-bearers, with the champions’ identity expected to be clear. He insisted Atlético’s objective is to secure third place, acknowledging that the club is prepared to seize opportunities if Madrid or Barcelona stumble. The discussion touched on the league’s past decade, recognizing periods when the club has contended for honors but reinforcing the goal of consistent Champions League qualification to stay competitive. He described Atlético as an ongoing challenge to Madrid and Barcelona, an “inconvenience” that remains ready to pounce if opportunities arise.
On the future, the coach stated there is still one year left on his contract and that his focus is on delivering his best performance. He offered a measured view on VAR and refereeing, acknowledging uncertainty around certain handball judgments while praising the system for bringing clearer decisions to the field. He recalled how VAR has influenced calls at top clubs and expressed a belief that, overall, the technology has been a helpful addition to the game.
In summary, the coach conveyed a clear appetite to push Atlético toward its best outcomes. The emphasis was on resilience, tactical clarity, and maintaining a competitive edge that matches the club’s historical ambition. The discussion remained grounded in the realities of the season and the practical steps necessary to sustain progress. This perspective reflects a broader theme of accountability and continuity that has characterized the club in recent campaigns.