Speaking after his team’s memorable 5-2 thrashing of Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone talked with the media as he tried to contain his emotions.
Asked about the tears he shed on the touchline, Simeone said “there are a lot of emotions inside”, adding “the season started off in a difficult way, and there’s a lot of effort from a lot of people that you don’t see, and it’s been wonderful”.
Diego Simeone on his post-match celebrations on the pitch
“I didn’t expect (former Argentina midfielder) Leo Rodríguez to be on the pitch and I was very happy
to see him, so I took the time to celebrate.”
Diego Simeone on scoring five
“Real Madrid is one of the best teams in the world, and today we had to play a great game. From the start, we knew where we could hurt them, with breaks on the outside with Nico, Barrios, Julián, Giuliano, pulling the centre-backs out and leaving Sørloth inside to create chances. I think that, beyond their two goals, the team did well.”
Diego Simeone on his message
“Faith. You know how I manage and how I behave. Faith, hard work, calmness, knowing what to do, identifying areas for improvement, and since Liverpool we have been improving. Today was a very, very good match.”
Diego Simeone on what stood out
“The collective work and the faith to do what we wanted to do. Finding Sørloth to score a goal and he could have scored two more. We interpreted the game well and our fans are delighted against a great rival who conceded few goals, few goals are scored against them and today we were better.”
Diego Simeone on Julián Alvarez
“Julián is committed to the team, to the club, and he is very good. He has talent and works hard. He not only contributes offensively, but he also works hard and is committed to the team to create a good dynamic. We need him, we have to take care of him, and hopefully he can stay with the club for many years. We have to give him the tools to score goals. The team helps him, and he is doing very well.”
Diego Simeone on improvements
“When you lose, it’s difficult to talk because everything sounds like an excuse. Eight new players arrived, seven last year, it’s not easy to start (a new project). I think we deserved a little more, but we started with bad results. We conceded a lot of goals, and I understand that the team is on the right track. By working hard and believing in what we do, I think things will turn out well.”
