Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone was not feeling sorry for himself as he spoke to the media ahead of his team’s return to action after Copa del Rey final defeat, with Elche in La Liga next up.
“We’ve given the fans the feeling and the conviction that we can reach that level, to believe in what we do and to be where we are, and the team has shown it can be there,” Simeone said in response to the news that all tickets for next week’s UEFA Champions League semifinal first leg against Arsenal have
sold out. “Then it might happen or it might not, but it’s part of the process we’re in.
“The fans were incredible in Seville,” Simeone continued. “From the start, their arrival the day before, and the send-off after the loss. Often people want you to say something so they can feel like victims, but no, we’re not victims of anything. We have to look ahead, follow our path, and pursue what we want in only one way: by working hard.”
Diego Simeone on bouncing back
“First and foremost, by accepting (the result of the final). There’s always another team that wants to win and does what it takes to bring home the title. They deserved to win, and life is about accepting the situations that arise, learning along the way and staying focused on our goals.”
Simeone on injuries
“We’ll see how Sørloth and Lookman recover from these minor injuries they’ve had. Let’s hope they make a full recovery in time for Saturday; it’s possible, according to the doctors. Hancko is making good progress. I don’t think we can count on Giménez yet.”
Simeone on the importance of mental factors
“We have to start over, as always happens when a competition ends. It’s time to focus on the next match, put our energy into doing things right, compete in Elche, then on Saturday, and, as the Champions League approaches, be in the best possible shape. But to do that, we have to be in good shape tomorrow.”
Simeone on avoiding a collapse like last season
“We’re in better shape than last year. Back then, we were knocked out in the Champions League round of 16 and the Copa del Rey semifinals; this year, unfortunately, we lost in the Copa del Rey final and we’re in the semifinals. It’s not the same.
“The team is doing well. You know it’s a privilege to be among the top four in Europe, and you accept that we had to lose because the opponent deserved to win the Copa del Rey. We have to keep moving forward. What’s next? Elche.”
Simeone on Pablo Barrios and Jan Oblak
“I haven’t decided who’s going to start. Obviously, I have an idea. Oblak is doing better, and Barrios is starting to come into his own. Hopefully, they can help us in these matches.”
Simeone on criticism of Julián Alvarez
“The truth is that Julián played a great game (in the final).”
