Diego Simeone previewed the team’s latest fixture in the UEFA Champions League as he spoke to the media on Monday evening before the tie with Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. The Atlético Madrid coach was
quizzed on a range of topics, including the role of Antoine Griezmann going forward.
“Antoine came on very well the other day (against Sevilla), as he should and as he always has done, as did those who came on in the final stages of the game,” Simeone explained. “As a result the team ended up playing well at the end of the match.
“Griezmann’s role, beyond the legend he will become in history, is in the present, and he has to help us on and off the pitch, just as Koke, (Jan) Oblak and Josema (Giménez), who are our captains, help us,” Simeone said.
Diego Simeone on Union Saint-Gilloise
“They are a team that changed coaches three or four weeks ago. Looking at the Champions League, they have competed very well, with the match against PSV and Inter until the 40th minute, when they conceded the first goal from a set piece. Their attackers are fast, they have played almost every game with a back five, with a lot of speed on the wings. We imagine something similar.”
Diego Simeone on criticism at the start of the season
“It’s normal for that to happen. We’re in a position where only winning counts. Criticism will always exist and is part of everything that surrounds us. The team is always looking to move forward. We will continue to try to improve and we have a lot of room for improvement, and as soon as the new players adapt, we will do better.”
Diego Simeone on him playing with the squad in training
“Day by day, with this and all the years I’ve been at the club, I feel grateful, happy and always thankful to the club. I hope I can keep it up and repay them on the pitch for what they do. Day by day. Today we were one player short, and I don’t think I did too badly.”
Diego Simeone on a message to fans at the Metropolitano
“We need to win, we need the fans to get excited. We need our fans.”
Diego Simeone on avoiding injuries for Josema Giménez
“We have to win tomorrow, and we’ll try to field players who will get us there.”
Diego Simeone on Álex Baena
“He has characteristics that can be useful to us in different positions, as we have tried to place him. As an interior presence, he’s a difference-maker. Closer to the striker, he has an eye goal; when he can play on the wing, he has an important one-on-one ability, especially when opponents are sitting deep. He came to help, we need him a lot. I am convinced of everything he’s brought.”
Diego Simeone on the UCL getting easier after Liverpool and Arsenal
“First and foremost, the most important thing is to win. Whatever happens after that victory will always be positive.”
Diego Simeone on Pablo Barrios’ importance
“Seeing him speaks for itself about how important he is. He gives us energy, a good pace of play, he applies pressure. He gives us direction and security in that area of the midfield where we need legs. He’s doing it in the best way possible, he’s growing year after year. We’re going to demand the same, more and more effort from him, and he wants it, and we want to help him. There’s a good rapport and hopefully this can be seen on the pitch.”
