Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone was in a relaxed mood as he addressed the media at the Emirates Stadium in North London on Monday evening ahead of the UEFA Champions League semifinal second leg.
Asked if the locker room was feeling the pressure, Simeone said “no, I think I notice that you guys are always looking, obviously, for some headline, some quote that stands out from the ordinary ahead of a semifinal, and the reality is that both the players and the coaches just want the match to start
and be played, because it’s nothing more than a football match, and whoever plays better will have a better chance of winning.
“Within that, each team has our own strengths, and we’ll do our thing to try to make the most of our strengths, and I’m sure the Arsenal coach will try to maximize theirs,” Simeone astutely said.
Diego Simeone on the role of coaches in this tie
“No matter how much we coaches mull things over, it’s clear that football is all about the players, and we need to manage their emotions in the best possible way so they can approach the game in the best possible state. Afterward, we can mull over this idea or that idea, but the match changes the moment it starts. So, I think experience and time give you more composure, not passivity, but composure, and, obviously, the peace of mind to face a match like the one we’re facing tomorrow.”
Simeone on the second half of the first leg
“I’m going to try to tell the team to play like they did in the second half. Let’s see. If it’s that easy, it would be great.”
Simeone on the significance of the match
“We always come back to a bit more of the same. We’ll try to play the game that needs to be played, with the intensity and understanding the match demands. Hopefully, the quality of our players will elevate the team’s performance.
“We have a lot of faith in what we’re doing. We’re convinced and confident about what we want to achieve in the match. And then, obviously, the result won’t depend solely on us.”
Simeone on the key factor for advancing
“Being convinced of what we have to do. Whatever plan is chosen, that’s the plan we’ll have to communicate and carry through to the end.”
Simeone on the fitness of Sørloth, Giuliano and Alvarez
“Yesterday each of them moved around a bit, they’re feeling better. Today we hope they can train well—you’ll see for yourselves. And tomorrow morning we’ll decide who starts.”
Simeone on the importance of Julián Alvarez
“Julián Alvarez is Julián Alvarez in these kinds of important matches. It’s clear that he knows the English league very well. He had a very good game last week, and hopefully tomorrow he can respond in the way the match demands.”
Simeone on changing hotels from the visit in October
“Well, I think we’re better off now than we were in October. We’re better off now than we were in October, and this hotel was cheaper. This one was cheaper. That’s why we switched. I think we’re better off now than we were in October. Any other questions?”
Simeone on Sørloth’s role
“A very important role. We need him a lot.”
Simeone on Sørloth’s playing time
“We need him, whether it’s 45, 60, 20, or 10 minutes.”
Simeone on the pre-match routine
“We’ll work on what’s missing after the match ends. Obviously, we have a clear plan. Let’s hope we can convey it effectively and that tomorrow we can put on a great match.”
