MADRID – Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone emphasized the importance of securing a win over presenting a polished performance as his side prepares to face Espanyol on Thursday evening. Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Simeone addressed questions regarding team form, player availability, and the ongoing speculation surrounding forward Julián Álvarez’s future.
Fluctuating Form and the Human Element
Simeone acknowledged the inconsistency in Atlético’s performances, attributing it to the inherent variability of human nature. “Because we are people and people don’t behave the same way every day,” he stated. “The players don’t throw the games. I have 20 years of experience as a coach, 19 as a player, and I don’t realize a footballer who doesn’t go onto the field to win the match. Then things happen, situations you don’t know how to overcome, and that’s when negative situations appear in the game. We lost because we played badly. There’s nothing else I value, knowing the enthusiasm with which each of our players approaches every match.”
Injury Updates and Squad Concerns
The Atlético manager provided a brief update on the fitness of midfielder Barrios, stating, “He still has a way to go. The doctors will let us know how his progress is.” Simeone also commented on the form of winger Lookman, noting, “He is training very well within what the team needs. Now, more collective effort from him is needed to help in the defensive phase, within the team, in a more collective work, which is what has always been significant to us in all the players we have.”
Anticipating Espanyol’s Challenge
Looking ahead to the match against Espanyol, Simeone recognized the difficulty in predicting their opponent’s approach. “You summarized it pretty well,” he said, referring to the unpredictable nature of Espanyol. “It’s hard to know what kind of opponent we’re going to find. We always think about facing the best opponent to control the situations that may arise. They have incredible defensive work and players with a lot of strength in attack.”
Recovery and the Grueling Schedule
When asked about the challenges of recovering after the match against Club Brugge, Simeone succinctly replied, “Espanyol.” This response underscored the immediate focus on the upcoming La Liga fixture. He also addressed the demanding schedule facing Atlético, highlighting the necessitate for a larger squad. “It’s difficult to sustain,” Simeone explained. “That’s why teams need larger squads now. You can’t get by with 10 or 12 players anymore. There are more matches, the competition in the Champions League has increased, and squads must grow. Our work in the physical and tactical aspects must be important, depending on what we see from the players from one match to the next, and the risk of them getting injured.”
Álvarez’s Future and Simeone’s Perspective
The topic of Julián Álvarez’s potential transfer to Barcelona inevitably arose during the press conference. Simeone, however, remained focused on the present, stating, “I’m not inside Julián’s head. I only see him playing in the last two matches, and he’s returning to the level he always was. We need him that way. I can’t be in his head, but I’m very happy with what he gives us in what reflects in his work.” This suggests Simeone is attempting to shield Álvarez from external distractions and maintain his focus on the team’s objectives.
The Gap with Barcelona and Real Madrid
Simeone was asked about the perceived distance between Atlético and the league’s top two, Barcelona and Real Madrid. He dismissed the notion as exaggerated, stating, “I don’t think it’s exaggerated. We weren’t able to play the same way against other rivals.” This suggests a tactical or performance-based explanation for the difference in results against the league’s leading teams.
Winning Takes Precedence
Simeone reiterated his primary focus: securing a victory. When asked about the importance of winning versus presenting a good image against Espanyol, he delivered a concise and emphatic response: “It’s more important to win than to give a good impression.” This statement encapsulates Simeone’s pragmatic and results-oriented approach to management.
Atlético Madrid will face Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium on Thursday, February 21st, at 9:00 PM local time (3:00 PM EST/8:00 PM GMT). The match represents a crucial opportunity for Simeone’s side to regain momentum and close the gap on the league leaders. Fans can follow the match live on ESPN Deportes.
What are your thoughts on Atlético’s chances against Espanyol? Share your predictions in the comments below!
