Diego Simeone Discusses Atlético Madrid’s Victory and Clash with Vinicius Junior in Copa del Rey Classic

Diego Simeone spoke about the crossing with Vinicius in the Madrid classic for the Copa del Rey

This Thursday, Atlético Madrid won the classic against Real Madrid 4-2 and advanced to the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey. It was an electrifying match in which everything happened and the one who experienced it in a very intense way – as always – was Diego Simeone, coach of the colchonero team that came away with a great victory. After the match, the 53-year-old Argentine coach analyzed the victory, although he also referred to the fight he had with Vinicius Junior.

At one point during the match, Simeone exchanged some words with the Brazilian Real Madrid striker, who made some gestures to the Colchoneros fans. Both stood face to face and shouted at each other, but the altercation did not escalate, as they were separated by the fourth referee, who admonished the coach. Then, Toni Kroos appeared on the scene to calm the Argentine coach.

“Nothing to comment on, just football things that can happen on the playing field. It stays there. The most important thing, because this is not important is the team,” Cholo responded at the press conference, downplaying the episode.

“They are eighth in the Cup. But it is impossible not to put your heart into it. The boys gave it, we interpreted the game very well, we were better in overtime. We were justly deserving of the victory, which is more important for the people. “They played a great game,” he added.

The former Argentine national team player stressed: “What I appreciate the most is the scenario we find ourselves in. It’s complicated to explain. He reminded me of Liverpool’s, he looked a bit difficult to beat. When you see that, it energizes the players. The team continued working the game, Nahuel came on very well, Llorente gave us legs, Griezmann turned to the right, Lino had a great game, Giménez and Witsel broke it, Morata made a tremendous effort.”

El Cholo also highlighted the work of Antoine Griezmann, who scored a great goal after overflowing down the right wing, taking off Vinicius Juniors’ mark and defining with a left-footed shot to place. “The changes gave us vitamins, much better than in the Super Cup. All of this generates good things. He appreciated a magical footballer like Griezmann, he dueled against Vinicius, who is very fast, and nailed it in the corner. We are lucky to have him that he wants to be here. I hope he gives us more nights.”

Atlético de Madrid vs Real Madrid summary

“We controlled the game at all times. The defensive part. Attack as we wanted. Sustaining their attack is very difficult because they are very good and when they counterattack they are better. We arrived at the area and had the calm and patience to wait for the moments. Antoine scored an extraordinary goal, one of the best we have seen from him,” he said.

On the other hand, he highlighted the previous atmosphere of the Atlético Madrid fans and the reception they gave the players. “When we arrive at the stadium, some wonder, working so many years, but you arrive and everything you see in the preview, everything gets excited and makes you want to play, demanding to work harder to give more joy to the people,” he said.

Although he denied that this victory was revenge after the defeat in the semifinal of the Spanish Super Cup in which they lost 5-3 in Saudi Arabia. “In football there are no revenges or deserts. It’s a new game, a way of playing it. In these last three games against Madrid, if you look at them they were very similar. We tried to play in a way, they are surely the best team in the world, they score goals from counterattacks, from mid-range, from the center, because they have a big forward. That’s why they win almost every game. It’s not luck. Are good. But we also compete well. In all three games we were close to winning the second and this time in extra time we were better,” he concluded.

2024-01-19 02:51:00
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