Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone spoke to the media on Friday ahead of Saturday’s return to La Liga action against Sevilla at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, a game sandwiched in between two crucial Champions League clashes with FC Barcelona.
Among the topics raised was the Blaugrana’s complaint to UEFA about the refereeing of the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final. When asked for his thoughts, Simeone said “I’m very respectful. We live in Madrid; we’re used to this sort of situation.
For anyone who understands, it’s very easy to grasp, so it doesn’t bother us at all.”
Diego Simeone on focusing his players on this game against Sevilla
“Wearing the shirt we do, representing this badge, for our fans, our families, and the excitement felt by the lads who get to play… there are plenty of reasons to keep taking everything one game at a time.”
Simeone on the youth players who could be involved
“When the young boys get the chance to play, a whole host of thoughts go through their minds, but it’s more important to block them out than to dwell on them. Those demons are always circling in our minds, tempting us to relax or to feel afraid. That’s where our mental strength comes in, to not give in to those demons, which are always there. Let each player play as they have been doing in every match.”
Simeone on motivating players
“We have several examples. Marc (Pubill) started the season without getting any playing time and is now vital to the team. Robin (Le Normand) went through a patch where we weren’t seeing the best of him, and now he’s back in the thick of things. And I could name more. Matteo (Ruggeri) had to find his place, (Dávid) Hancko didn’t have the regularity he would have liked either. They know it, and I’ll confirm it: to be in this position, competing in so many matches, we need everyone.”
Simeone on Jan Oblak
“He’s not ready to join us yet. He’s really keen, we had a lovely chat with him. He’s a very important player for the team and we need him. Let’s hope he’s ready to join us by Tuesday.”
Simeone on whether he reacts in the same way when refereeing complaints come from Real Madrid
“I didn’t complain. I responded to the opinion I was told about Barcelona and said that we’re used to these things in Madrid.”
Simeone on Atleti complaining about referees
“Of course. It’s legitimate, always.”
Simeone about the injured players
“I’m thinking about Sevilla, I’m not thinking about the lads who are recovering.”
Simeone on the retro matchday and how football has changed
“You can’t compare it. It’s a different society, a different world. Football had a different pace, a different outlook on the world, and it’s clear that everything moves forward. It was lovely; it seems as though the old days were always great, but today we have a wonderful, competitive league, demanding tournaments, and we enjoy it.”
Simeone on Sevilla’s situation
“It’s a much deeper issue than a simple answer. I’m not in a position to interpret everything that’s happening. Sevilla was an important place in my career, in my life, on my journey to becoming who I am, how they treated me, how I lived in the city… I wish them all the best and hope that tomorrow we can play the match we want to play. We need the points and for the season to end in the best possible way.”
