Fresh from a thumping 3-1 win over his former club Sevilla, Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone met with the media to speak highly of the team’s performance.
The star man with two goals was Álex Baena, who played as a false nine. Reflecting on his performance, Simeone said, “there’s no need to say much, the results speak for themselves.
“The boost and impact that winning the World Cup gave him, both emotionally and mentally, along with the coach’s confidence in him to play every game, he’s paying us
back with his play and his work ethic.”
Simeone added “we need this from him, and we’re going to demand that he keep it up, which is the hardest part.”
Diego Simeone on the first half
“Above all, it’s about commitment, our identity as a team and what we want to achieve. We talked quite a bit after yesterday’s practice, and again today before the game. We know what our goals are and which matches are important so we can approach them in the best way possible. Luckily, today we had about 60 very good minutes where every transition play created excitement and danger. We managed to position ourselves in the opponent’s half and find players who could break through from the second line, since Sørloth and Julián, who usually play in that position, weren’t with us today.
“Not having a center forward doesn’t mean we don’t attack, we’d just scored four goals in our previous two games, and I’m leaving here happy with how the match played out.”
Simeone on Baena stepping up
“He’s been a game-changer. Last year, he started off at a very high level, we could put him anywhere, and he always delivered. The confidence, self-assurance, joy, and emotional boost from the World Cup did him a world of good, and today I told him to use that to amplify everything he brings to the table because it sets him apart, and that’s why we consider him at this level. He proved it, and we’re going to demand that level from him.”
Simeone on the strong start
“Above all, we read the game very well to find where to strike, and we had the composure to make the best choices so that, as a team, we could bring out the best in our individual players—just as we did. We have to keep an eye on everyone. Things can always happen in the transfer market, I’m not referring to anything in particular, but as long as the market is open, the possibility remains.”
Simeone on goals from midfield
“Last year we scored quite a few goals. Beyond that, I don’t know what constitutes good play or bad play, what matters is winning and developing our players’ strengths as best we can.”
Simeone on the game plan
“We were lucky to play a good game. The guys did a great job on recovery and transitions. We knew Sevilla was coming off those good results, with that enthusiasm that pushes you to press high. We pulled off those transitions that hurt them and were able to control the game until the second half, when, starting around the 20-minute mark, we started running out of energy and Sevilla’s pressure prevented us from creating scoring chances.”
Simeone on what Hjulmand brings
“Balance. He’s coming from a league where the pace is slower, it doesn’t have the speed of play we have in Spain or England. He’s gradually trying to gain confidence and speed. He has the ability to pass between the lines and is strong in the air. Let’s hope he keeps improving; we want more from him because he has the talent.”
Simeone on the transfer window
“I’m not saying this now because of Julián, but I always say that anything can happen, I say it every year. It’s football, and anything can happen, but I’m not saying this for any particular reason.”
Simeone on Julián
“He’s going through his own personal process. We’ll be here to help him from a sporting perspective, and for him to help us, because he’s an extraordinary player.”
