An elated Diego Simeone spoke after his Atlético Madrid side’s impressive 4-0 win over FC Barcelona in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final.
Simeone praised his player’s mentality, especially after their blistering first-half goal glut.
“We found incredible energy in the stadium, life is energy, and we were able to ride that wave of energy,” he said. “The interpretation of the match was very good, with the four forwards interpreting the space very well. Other days we say we lack cutting edge,
but today will be remembered for how we played, the players represented it in the best possible way.”
Diego Simeone on a perfect night
“We’ve had some important nights. I remember the Champions League match against Barcelona (in 2014). But the energy comes from the stadium, then we interpreted the match that had to be played against a difficult, tough opponent. Despite their absences, they are always protagonists. We played a very good match.”
Simeone on Nahuel Molina
“In the end, hard work pays off. You have to give and give, but the work pays you back. You have to see how Molina trains, works, encourages his teammates. We saw him growing. Marcos replaced Barrios very well, he broke down everything. Today Molina was able to play the match he wanted to play.”
Simeone on surpassing his expectatuons
“I have faith in the team, in what we do, in our people. I’m not a wizard who can predict what’s going to happen. I felt that the team could play a match like they did. The players’ effort to go after their opponents. That’s why we tried to shake things up. The pressure was lower in the second half. The first half was what we wanted.”
Simeone on a demonstration of courage
“We had a very good night. We know who we’re up against. We’ll have to go into the second leg with the same desire.”
Simeone on demanding his team to attack
“In the second half, we lacked intensity going forward. I would have liked to have continued attacking as we did in the first half.”
Simeone on Koke and Antoine Griezmaann
“It’s very difficult to keep talking about them… I need them as they are. Committed for 20, 30 minutes. What Koke is doing is crazy with everything he gives us.”
Simeone on what a night like this means
“It makes me very happy for our fans, they need these games. People want to be champions. We put all our effort into making that happen.”
Simeone on Julián Alvarez
“I loved Julián’s pass to Lookman. That coolness in the moment. That speaks to humility, hierarchy, visualisation… life gives back to you… Julián has the goal and thank God he’s back and I’m sure he’ll clean it up for everything that’s coming.”
Simeone on an epic victory
“I think our fans need these games. They’ve been pushing for years, always there. They need important games. We had a very good first half, reading the game very well. We were very decisive and calm in the final stretch of the game. A very good first half.”
Simeone on the second half
“We knew (Barcelona) wouldn’t give up. They have the quality to take on anything that comes their way. That’s how the second half started. We had situations to resolve better in the second half. It wasn’t as similar to the first. The lads played an extraordinary game.”
Simeone on Griezmann
“Antoine is a historic player, a legend at Atlético de Madrid. No one will take away that wonderful place he has. He’s giving everything he has to contribute. Hopefully, as coach, I can give him back the enthusiasm he conveys. He was outstanding today.”
