Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone cut a frustrated figure after his team’s 0-0 draw with Levante in Valencia on Saturday evening, in which he saw two more players injured from his already-thin squad.
When pushed on how he is handling the situation, with his squad looking ever more limited, Simeone reflected that “it increases creativity in the coach’s work.
“As a coach, it’s good to be challenged to improve, and this makes me improve,” he said, though his expressions left many wondering whether he was truly enjoying the challenge.
Diego Simeone on losing another two players
“We are working very hard to make things happen. There are still two days left, which is a lot of time, two days in which a lot can happen.”
Simeone on whether the line-up was rotation or fatigue
“From what we saw in the first half, we dominated from start to finish. We understood that the lads could play that way, control the game and maintain a continuous attack, as they did. It was a very good first half from the lads who started, and we believe in them. We are a group. Ten players don’t play out of obligation, there are others who can come on. We saw that, and the first half was very good.”
Simeone on Alexander Sørloth and Pablo Barrios’ health
“The doctor will give a better report, I don’t want to get ahead of myself.”
Simeone on the match
“The team played well again in the first half, we controlled the game, we could have scored a goal, they defended well, with hard work and determination. We tried to break through, but we couldn’t. In the second half, the fatigue from these last few games every three days showed, which is logical. It wasn’t the same as the first half, it was more even, with some chances for them, but no clear opportunities for either side.”
Simeone on cutting edge
“We lacked fluid play. What we had in the first half wasn’t there in the second, and that’s why we had fewer chances.”
Simeone on looking dejected at half-time
“I was thinking about the match, what changes to make, movements… That’s normal for a manager who is assessing what lies ahead and thinking about what to do.”
Simeone on having few options on the bench
“Very good, everything was very good.”
