Speaking after his side secured a 5-2 first leg win over Tottenham Hotspur, Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone insisted that the last 16 tie of the Champions League remains wide open.
“I liked the team, we had an impact that was helped by the mistakes we forced them to make, which gave us confidence, encouraged us to keep pressing in the opposition’s half and take a significant lead,” Simeone reflected, before insisting that “we could have dealt with their first goal better.”
“From (the possibility
of the scoreline reading) 4-2, which happened with Oblak’s save (on Richarlison), there was an extraordinary transition between Griezmann and Julián, with good teamwork, a 50 or 60-metre run and a finish, which put us in a good position in the match,” Simeone explained. “But then the 5-2 came from a mistake on our part, and we enjoyed the victory knowing that the Champions League is complicated and no result guarantees you will go through in the first match.”
Diego Simeone on Antoine Griezmann
“I am happy with Antoine’s explanation. He knows how important he is in Atlético history. Hopefully he will have the chance to finish (his career here) as he deserves, in the best possible way. We have to take care of him so that he can help us and close out an extraordinary season.”
Simeone on Julián Alvarez not guaranteeing his future at the club
“I see him as very happy, content, scoring goals. Of all the teams he’s been with, Atleti is where he’s scored the most goals. He seems enthusiastic, committed to what’s happening, super positive about what he needs. He’s back on track. There’s not much difference in goals between last season and this one. I’m happy with him. I hope he stays at Atleti for many years and we build a better team so that important players want to stay.”
Simeone on the start to the game
“It was a match in which we forced things to happen. Everything went our way, especially in those first 22 minutes.”
Simeone on similarities to the Copa del Rey semi-final
“No two matches are the same. I remember when we lost 3-0 at the Bernabéu (in the 2017 UCL semifinals) and then we were winning 2-0 at the Calderón and Benzema scored a goal, because otherwise we wouldn’t have had a chance to go through. The Champions League is for important players and all teams have them.”
Simeone on demanding more at 5-2
“We were better in the first half. In the second, not so much. The substitutions didn’t work as well as other times, they were less intense, aggressive and involved. They couldn’t make the impact we wanted. Now we have to wait for Saturday’s match (against Getafe).”
Simeone on Johnny Cardoso’s form
“He’s growing. He’s worked hard personally to improve himself first and then give the team what he has to offer. That’s why he’s at Atlético, that’s why we trust him. He’s getting the continuity he needed, related to what he’s giving to the team.”
Simeone on Tottenham
“I always focus on the good things. Offensively, (Spurs) have important qualities, they have tall players on set pieces, even their throw-ins are dangerous. We went into the match in a way that took them out of their comfort zone, and that speaks well of our work.”
Simeone on whether he was surprised by the substitution of the goalkeeper in the 17th minute
“I don’t comment on the actions or decisions of a colleague. I’m very respectful. If he makes a decision, it’s for a reason.”
Simeone on the result
“We forced positive things to happen and they did. In the first half we could have been more decisive, we could have defended better against the goal they scored. That took us into the second half, where Oblak (prevented) 4-2 and we went on to 5-1. Then they scored to make it 5-2, leaving us with an important result for England. The second leg will surely be tough.”
Simeone on whether the second leg will be tough
“Sure, like every game in Europe.”
Simeone on asking more of his players and the fans
“We needed to continue with the same intention as at the start. I think the team played well in creating chances, forcing things to happen, and we came away with an important victory that could have been even bigger.”
Simeone on the Kinský sub in the 17th minute
“No, I hadn’t seen that at a professional level. It’s not my problem, it’s theirs, their coach’s and the goalkeeper’s, and we think about ourselves, not someone else’s decisions.”
Simeone on Griezmann confirming that he is staying
“I always want the best for him. Hopefully, he will finish this fantastic season in the best possible way, and we need him as he is, at this moment of vision, talent, running. We need him as he is.”
