Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone was coy on the hot topic of Antoine Griezmann’s future as he addressed the media in his pre-match press conference before facing Real Oviedo on Saturday.
Responding to the first of many questions on the Frenchman, Simeone explained “I understand your question, but the other day, I think I was quite clear when I was asked about it on the pitch, in my explanation, which is that I’m not going to talk about it any further.
“I’m focused on tomorrow’s match and how important
Antoine Griezmann is to us.”
Diego Simeone on the Champions League draw against against Tottenham
“A tough opponent, an important opponent in world football. We’ll talk about it when we’re closer to the match.”
Simeone on whether Atlético Madrid’s achievements are undervalued
“No, no, it’s highly valued.”
Simeone on Ademola Lookman’s performance and growth
“The truth is that he came in and arrived with a lot of enthusiasm, eager to continue growing and helping us, and we want to help him continue growing. As I mentioned a few days ago, we need him to continue giving us everything he gives us offensively and add to that the defensive work he has, because he has done it, he has done it a lot, especially in Nigeria, in his national team. We need him to feel the shirt in the same way he feels the Nigerian shirt and to be able to represent Atlético Madrid in that state, because, obviously, in that state he is a very important player and we need him that way.”
Simeone on a possible departure of Griezmann at a decisive moment
“I’m not going to talk about issues where we don’t know what’s going to happen. I’m focusing on what I said the other day. I clearly think I was quite clear and I’m not going to repeat how important Antoine Griezmann is to us, we already know that.”
Simeone on managing three competitions
“We’re focusing on each game as it comes, with the intention of taking the game to where we think we can hurt Oviedo. They are a team that has improved a lot in the last eight games, they seem to have a different rhythm, with a direct style of play. I imagine tomorrow will be a tough game, as are all the games we play in the Spanish league. And we will have to take it where we think we can hurt them.”
Simeone on conversations with Griezmann about his future
“I’m going to repeat myself again. Regardless of how insistent you are, no, I’m a straightforward person. So, relax. We are talking to Antoine Griezmann, he knows very well how important he is to us. There’s no need to put pressure on him or talk too much. We just need to focus on what lies ahead, which is very nice: Oviedo, Barcelona, Real Sociedad, Tottenham. There’s no room for anything else.”
Simeone on who is the favourite in the Champions League
“Honestly, I’m not thinking about the Champions League right now. I’m thinking about Oviedo and I’ll talk about Oviedo.”
Simeone on the Champions League draw and clash with Tottenham
“I’ll say it again, even if I’m repeating myself. We’re playing Oviedo tomorrow. The Champions League is in 10 days, if I’m not mistaken, or more. So there will be time to talk about the Champions League later.”
