Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone played down talk of distractions as he insisted that his side were taking fixtures one game at a time ahead of Saturday’s visit to Valencia in LaLiga.
Simeone rejected claims that he would rest key players, even with one eye on Tuesday’s Champions League semifinal second leg against Arsenal.
“It’s clear that, regardless of if there is a match on Tuesday, Julián Alvarez probably wouldn’t have been ready for Saturday, Sørloth wouldn’t have been ready for Saturday, Giuliano
wouldn’t have been ready for Saturday, Barrios wouldn’t have been ready for Saturday, Josema Giménez wouldn’t have been ready for Saturday, so I don’t think I’m forgetting anyone else,” Simeone responded. “It’s more than clear that we’re going to field the players who are in the best shape to compete tomorrow.”
Diego Simeone on the focus shifting to Valencia
“We’re thinking about tomorrow’s match, about how important it is to try to catch up to Villarreal, who are ahead of us, and obviously to play a crucial match against a team that needs points, one that will be playing under the pressure of its fans and with the intensity that Valencia has shown since their coach arrived. I can’t think about any other match than that.”
Simeone on rotations
“It’s just that the players’ condition demands it. We were just saying that these guys finished the other day with some niggles, and obviously, we’re going to go with the players who are fresh so we can compete, that’s what matters to us.”
Simeone on an opportunity for the less-used players
“There are many things to think about. Why? Because they have the responsibility of being at Atlético Madrid, they have the opportunity to show why they’re at Atlético Madrid. If any of the guys who’ve been helping us lately get to play, it’s another step toward proving why they’re close to the first team. There are plenty of situations to look at positively.”
Simeone on Thiago Almada
“Thiago is a very important player for us. We were just talking a little while ago, right after training ended, about his abilities and his work with us this season. And the important thing is that, whether it’s 20 minutes, 60, or 90, as we always say, we hope he plays a game tomorrow that reflects the caliber he possesses.”
Simeone on his personal feelings
“The truth is, I feel at peace. I know I’m giving my all, I know my players are giving their all and that’s what I need. To see that energy, which goes hand in hand with what we’ve been working on for 14 years, on a long journey with many challenges. It’s very difficult to get to where we are and compete the way we’re competing this season. The truth is, it’s a gift the team is giving itself, and hopefully we can carry this through to the end.”
Simeone on the team’s and fans’ enthusiasm
“Enthusiasm is always high, and the belief is even higher.”
Simeone on the youth players
“It’s not so easy to say they’re ready to fully support the team just yet. It’s normal for there to be baby steps, just as everyone went through when moving up from the B team to play in La Liga. But there are young players who show quality. I always say that in football, it’s not about age, but about ability, personality, enthusiasm and belief in what you have. And there are young players who, honestly, are showing quality, and the important thing will be that, when it’s their turn to play, they demonstrate it on the field.”
