Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone was in a jubilant mood after a 3-0 win over Real Mallorca on Sunday, though much of his post-match press conference centered on the transfer window.
“I have nothing to say here,” Simeone responded bluntly when asked whether any new signings would arrive “Mateu (Alemany) and I talk every day, we are in constant conversation and it is very clear which players we need.
“We will certainly look for the players the team needs, because it needs them,” he said.
Diego Simeone on the second goal changing the game
“The team
attacked at all times, creating scoring opportunities, and there was a minimal advantage that was short-lived. That 2-0 after the substitutions, (the association) between Marc, Robin, Llorente, Pablo… they made a very good play, although it was an own goal, but the combination was very good. Anyone reading the newspaper will say it was a simple 3-0 win, but it wasn’t. (Mallorca) were competitive, they have (Vedat) Muriqi and his aerial power, and I think we controlled it well, with a good result and a good team performance.”
Simeone on Josema Giménez’s return
“He’s like all the lads who are competing. The squad is working very well, we’re coming off a tough match against Galatasaray, we thought we could win that game, today several players repeated their performances, the substitutions did well, Julián had a fantastic game without scoring, but fantastic nonetheless. Sørloth scored a goal, the team played well and so did José, who is important to us.”
Simeone on Julián still not scoring
“All players go through streaks, but you always have to be calm and know that he is a player who makes a difference. If we want to get somewhere this season, we need him at 100 percent because he is one of the best players in the squad.”
Simeone on Marc Pubill deserving a Spain call-up
“I wouldn’t allow myself to comment from a position that is very easy, because he is my player and the manager has his job to do. Marc has been having a very good season since November when he started playing, he has to continue in this vein, he has room for improvement and we are going to demand a lot from him, because it’s good for him.”
Simeone on Giuliano’s throw-ins
“The other day we were practising throw-ins, because it’s an important part of the game, there are a lot of goals scored this way. Nowadays there are coaches just for throw-ins and there’s growth in these small details. Giuliano, in addition to his other qualities, has a very good throw-in and it’s another set piece.”
Simeone on being decisive in front of goal
“It’s part of the game. Sometimes the ball falls to Sørloth’s left foot for him to push it in. In the first half, there was a move with several options, and there are moments and matches that are not all the same. Hopefully, there will be more moments like today’s, because that’s what counts in the game.”
Simeone on the importance of the second goal
“When you lead 1-0, it can always get complicated. The result is close, and the difference in the game was big, but it wasn’t showing on the scoreboard. When that happens, we always go back to the famous forcefulness on both sides. Defensively, we were forceful, and offensively, we improved compared to Wednesday, with more clarity in seeking goal-scoring opportunities. Beyond the three goals, the team generated quite a few important plays to be able to score.”
Simeone on Thiago Almada
“We need goals from everyone. The midfielders are important coming in from the second line, as Thiago did today. We need to not depend solely on Griezmann, Sorloth and Julián. Just as we need defensive strength, which is not only offensive. We start out winning in a lot of games, and if we had been more decisive in that 1-0 that we don’t like so much, we could have more points.”
Simeone on the squad
“The team is doing a very good job. We’ve lost four players, we can’t complete the squad we had before, and today everyone is working incredibly hard until, surely, new players arrive who can help us.”
Simeone on new signings
“We need players to complete the squad, and I hope to get to the place that Mateu, Miguel (Ángel Gil), Enrique (Cerezo), Carlos (Bucero) and I know we can reach.”
Simeone on what signings are needed
“I can’t give you any more clues. You see us play every day. I think you understand when you see us play.”
Simeone on helping Alvarez recover his form
“Talk to him and clearly make him feel how important he is to us. The team, the coaching staff and the fans love him, and he is crucial to getting us where we want to be. We got off to a good start, then there was a slump, and now comes the decisive part with the Copa del Rey, the Champions League, the play-offs and the league starting to heat up toward the end of the season. I have no doubt that the time will come when Julián will take us where we all want to be.”
